1944 Scout Signal Gun

1944NovBL2The scout shown above is signalling by night, thanks to the signal gun described in the November 1944 issue of Boys Life. Most flashlights can’t be turned on and off fast enough to send Morse code, so this design adds a trigger and pistol grip to be able to conveniently send. The trigger is wired to the spring at the bottom of the flashlight, so that it can be conveniently aimed and keyed.

The magazine carried a number of other signalling devices, in an article penned by William “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt.

1944NovBL