Museum
4 Base Workshop Special Devices – Part 1: Deception Scribe: Zoe Tolman, Assistant Archivist
A variety of dummies (A1967.0810.02)
L
ast year, we looked at 4 Base Workshop and their extraordinary output of spares and equipment. Within these were various new pattern items, those things created to try and solve a problem or fill a gap, and the inclusion of ‘General Manufactures’ in 10 Sub Workshop’s capabilities ‘was largely influenced by the ever-changing nature and magnitude of the
orders for “Special Devices”.’ (A:1960.0299) This article will focus on deception devices with a further article to follow on anti-mine tank rollers and mine detectors. Deception was used widely throughout the war, and indeed long before that, and took many formats. Disinformation could be achieved through false reports about movements or strengths (for example, opening up leave availability to make it seem like an Operation would not be imminent), entire false Divisions raised in the ORBAT and supported by associated HQ radio chatter and promotions, and of course reports from spies turned double agent. Depending on the theatre, these deceptions could not exist for too long without some form of physical evidence to back them up however - this could be in the form of dummy vehicles, changing one vehicle to look like another, or setting out lights to simulate an airfield. Even less tangible were the Light Scout Car Company’s which could get quickly into position and project audio of a Dummy Dakota Fuselage (E09.0498.044) larger tank Division, by cover of
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