An interesting thing about the ARRL Handbooks from the 1940's is that during WWII, American amateur operators were forbidden to transmit. They were, however, encouraged to monitor, and could participate (transmit) in the WERS (War Emergency Radio Service). Transmitting priveleges were suspended during the war to reduce the chance of spies being able to comunicate by radio undetected. It was difficult to hide secret transmissions with everyone including the hams throughout the country listening and no one talking except for official business. There is a large chapter devoted to WERS including how the service worked and home construction of VHF and UHF equipment for the service. The equipment mostly operated on the 112, 224, and 400MHz amateur bands and was intended for short range Civil Defense functions.
Notes:
The Catalog Section only 300DPI color, 377MB!
I think the gentleman has a good point there..