Type 2 Field Telephone (Japan)

The telephone is of conventional design and normally used on a ground return circuit. Features include a buzzer with key arrangement for sending code. The unit is contained in a wooden cabinet with metal reinforced corners. The handset; batteries, generator, bell, condenser and induction coil are housed in three compartments. The set may be operated on local or common battery circuits, while magneto signaling facilities also are included. The generator hand crank folds up and fits within the generator armature shaft. A fiber driving gear on the generator eliminates noise to some extent during cranking.

The Type 2 field telephone was a standard field communication device employed by the Japanese Army during the Second World War.

This particular telephone was captured at Wareo during the Lae campaign, New Guinea by the 2/4 Commando Unit in 1944. The phone was maintained by Sgt Ralph Coyne who was a signaler with the 2/4 Commando Unit. The telephone came into the possession of the 2/4 Commando Unit when the Japanese abandoned their position as the Australian's advanced. According to Sgt Ralph Coyne, at the time of capture the Japanese phone was considered to be of better manufacture to communication sets issued to Australian forces operating in the Wareo area. The top of the metal lid had the unit patch engraved on it as well as the name and identification number VX64527 of Sgt R J Coyne. The engraving was carried out by Corporal John (Curley) Papworth, who also served as a signaler with the 2/4 Commando Unit.