Radio Communication During WWII
During the Second World War, radio communication became one of the most vital technologies in aviation and warfare. It allowed aircrews to coordinate missions, receive navigation bearings, and maintain contact with ground control, even in hostile or remote environments. For Bomber Command, radio links meant the difference between isolation and survival—enabling formation flying, target updates, weather reports, and recall orders during critical operations over Europe. Ground stations guided damaged aircraft home through the dark, while radio operators aboard bombers relayed intelligence and distress signals that often saved lives. The rapid advances in wireless technology during the war not only shaped the outcome of countless missions but also laid the foundation for modern aviation communication systems.
Preserving the Voices of the Air
The Bomber Command Museum of Canada is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and operating the radio equipment that connected aircrews to the world beyond their aircraft. Each transmitter, receiver, and intercom tells part of the story of how technology and courage worked together in the skies of war. By restoring these historic systems to working order, the museum brings to life the innovation and ingenuity that defined wartime communication—allowing visitors to experience the sounds, signals, and voices that once guided young airmen through the darkness of combat. Through these efforts, the museum ensures that the legacy of those who designed, maintained, and operated these vital radios continues to inspire future generations.
Radio Days — Bringing the Voices of the Air Back to Life
Step back into the era when every signal mattered. During select events and open house days, our restored wartime radios come alive — sending and receiving messages just as they did over Europe eight decades ago. Visitors can see, hear, and experience the crackle of authentic communication systems that once guided aircrews through the night. Join us and tune in to history in action!
Museum's Radio Collection
The 1154 / 1155 radio. Operated in many aircraft including the Airspeed Oxford, Avro Lancaster, Avro Anson Mk1
The ATR -5 Used in the Avro Anson Mk 2