SOE Switch No 10 (Brown) for cold climates

[switch]

SOE Switch No 10 (Brown) for cold climates.

Following a request for information from a fellow BOCN member, I present the following Switch No 10 (Brown) developed for use in cold climates. I am not sure if the labelling on the closing tape is period, but that's how they came to me.



I have very little information on these, and they appear to be uncommon to say the least. I have only ever seen this set, but I presume there are other examples out there somewhere.

The following is taken from SOE Equipment Air dropped in Europe by A. Thygesen & M. Sode:
" A Time Pencil accomodated for cold climates was also developed. We are not sure of the nominal time delay that it provided. but according to a brief note it included anti-freeze in the cupric chloride solution and was only for use in cold climates. It was only assembled in the Mk I version and was distinguished by a brown safety strip"

Does anyone have any further information regarding development and scale of production, or anything else relevant. Also does anyone know if they were a planned store, or a mission specific product like many SOE special devices.
Any help appreciated.

Cheers
Switch

 

[Anders]

I have been told that the time delay most likely was 30 hours. But I have nothing official to back up this information. Also I do not know at which temperature the 30 hours were good for.

 

[switch]

Thanks Anders
Every little helps, even if it is anecdotal. There seems to be an absence of information regarding this duration of Time Pencil which is why I was wondering if they were mission specific. Have you seen many of these in your travels?
Cheers
Switch

 

[Anders]

No I have never seen it live, nor an official document on this pencil, it is very exciting.
P.S. I have send you an email.

 

[kiwieod]

heres a page from a US navy bomb disposal manual.the last line states they are for special missions only.also the red one is good for -20C,so the brown one must have been for very cold conditions

 

[millsbomber]

i have 1 in my collection was just informed when i was given it was for cold climates with so few in circulation leaves myself to belive for special mission only

 

[Scout Sniper]

Thank your for sharing that stunning set of 5 you have.

I also believe these are mission specific but i would imagine that a batch was produced should further missions require them.