Document

Page 10 of a Special Operations Executive (SOE) document describing Counter-Scorch and basic wireless telegraphy (W/T) training for Force 136 personnel during the Second World War. A specialized Counter-Scorch course was planned at the Eastern Warfare School (E.W.S.(I)) in Poona, India, adapting British instruction to conditions in Asia, with greater emphasis on tactical and military requirements than industrial targets. Although general lectures were included in basic and advanced training, the specialized course was never conducted because Japan surrendered before it became necessary. The document also describes basic wireless telegraphy training, normally lasting 13 weeks, with the duration varying according to trainees’ abilities and previous experience. Instruction was provided at E.W.S.(I), with overflow training at M.E.9 in Meerut. Plans to expand training capacity were not completed because increasing numbers of wireless operators arrived from Britain already trained, requiring only advanced operational instruction under jungle and tropical conditions. The document illustrates how SOE training programs adapted to personnel qualifications and changing wartime requirements.