Radio communication means played a crucial role during the Second World War. During Operation Bluecoat in particular, radio made it possible—though not without difficulties—to announce the discovery of the famous bridge over the Souleuvre River, found intact and unguarded. Here is the original message:
"At 10.35 hours the bridge at 637436 is clear of enemy and still intact. I say again, at 10.35 hours the bridge at 637436 is clear of enemy and still intact."
To illustrate this part of history, in 2017 the museum installed an amateur radio station with the official callsign F4KKE.
Its goal is to organize educational activities about the military radiocommunications of the time, to showcase the transmission methods used during the war, and to allow those interested to demystify radio technology. Courses to prepare for the amateur radio license exam can also be offered.
The station actively takes part in various amateur radio contests, such as the World Championship and the French Championship, achieving notable results.
In addition, special callsigns granted by the authorities are regularly used during commemorations or events related to the Battle of Normandy.
Thus, in 2020, we made more than two thousand contacts with countries around the world to mark the anniversary of General de Gaulle’s Appeal of June 18, 1940, using the special callsign TM80CDG.
Every year, during our Liberation Festival, we set up an amateur radio station. TM11AD, TM80SMB, TM81SM, and others have made several thousand contacts across the world, contributing to the international reach of the Musée de La Percée du Bocage.
