Hand crank antenna reel question

This reel unit was apparently mounted on the side of the cockpit with the long, wire type antenna and lowered through an insulated grommet on the floor of the aircraft. The antenna was then trailed beneath and behind the plane while flying, and wound up by hand crank before landing. Markings on the assembly read: SIGNAL CORPS U.S. ARMY / AEROPLANE RADIO ANTENNA REEL TYPE DR-2 [WITH THE GOVERNMENT CONTRACT NUMBER] APRIL 4, 1918 / MADE BY L. S. BRAGH COMPANY, NEWARK, N.J.

I have found little information about this early mode of wireless communication on the Internet, and was wondering if anyone could enlighten me a little bit. Also, an actual period photo of this unit in an airplane would be interesting to see.

Gary

[Ginger.]

There is a good account of this mode of wireless communication being used by Bristol Fighters in Vivien Voss's book 'Flying Minnows'.

Ginger --

Thanks for that!

For those interested, I have learned that Peter Cooksley's The RFC/RNAS Handbook, has a couple of pages about airborne wireless use. There is also an overview in W M Lambert's Reconnaisance and Bomber Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War. Also, Cecil Day Lewis in 'Sagittarius Rising' gives some good accounts of cranking an aerial and the problems it could cause.

Gary