McMichael Radio Ltd.
Providence Place, West End Lane, Kilburn NW6 (1922)
Hasting House Norfolk Street, Strand, London WC2 (1925)
Wexham Road, Slough, Buckinghamshire. (1926 - 1956)
London Showroom: 179, Strand, WC2 (1930)

Radio and Allied Industries Ltd.
Langley Park, Slough, Buckinghamshire. (1956)

McMichael grew from humble beginnings, making wireless parts and radios in WWI's aftermath. They thrived on innovation and quality, becoming renowned for broadcast receivers and technical excellence.

World War II saw them diversify, producing bomb racks, suppressors, and even secret equipment for resistance movements.

Post-war, they resumed civilian tech, excelling in radios, televisions, and even sonobuoys for the Royal Navy. Their name graced equipment for Nimrod aircraft and UK1, Britain's first satellite.

In 1961, the General Electric Company acquired McMichael, who continued their work on specialized military and scientific equipment under their current name.

Early Beginnings and Rise to Prominence (1913-1930s)

McMichael's story began in 1913 when Leslie McMichael (1884-1951) and a group of fellow wireless enthusiasts formed the London Wireless Club. The club's focus shifted towards broadcasting with the commencement of regular radio transmissions in 1922. McMichael, recognizing the potential of this new medium, established L. McMichael Ltd. in 1920 to cater to the growing demand for wireless equipment.

The company quickly gained a reputation for quality and innovation, producing a range of broadcast receivers under the MH (McMichael Hesketh) brand. These receivers were known for their clean design, high-quality finish, and technical excellence. McMichael also played a pioneering role in mobile radio communication, participating in a train-to-train communication experiment in 1924.

By the late 1920s and early 1930s, McMichael had become a leading manufacturer of radio receivers in the UK. They were particularly renowned for their suitcase portable and cabinet transportable sets, which combined portability with superior sound quality. The company also excelled in the design and production of radio components, except for valves and headphones.

Wartime Contributions and Post-War Diversification (1939-1950s)

The outbreak of World War II forced McMichael to shift its focus to wartime production. The company diversified its operations, manufacturing bomb racks, suppressors, and other essential wartime equipment. They also played a crucial role in the development of radar technology, producing components for early radar systems.

After the war, McMichael resumed production of civilian radio and television sets. They were among the first British companies to introduce radios with shortwave bands, catering to the growing interest in international broadcasting. In addition to commercial products, McMichael continued to design and manufacture equipment for the armed forces, including the first British sonobuoys for submarine detection.

Merger with Sobell and Focus on Military and Scientific Equipment (1956-present)

In 1956, McMichael merged with the Sobell Group to form Radio and Allied Industries Limited. This merger led to a shift in focus for McMichael, with the company concentrating on the development and production of military and scientific equipment. The Sobell name was used for domestic radio and television products, while McMichael continued to operate under its own name in its specialized markets.

Since the merger, McMichael has made significant contributions to various military and scientific projects. They have developed and manufactured equipment for the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and various research institutions. Some notable examples include:

• L.F. Receiver outfits CJDI, 2 and 3: These standard Admiralty very low-frequency receivers have been in use for nearly twenty years.
• UHF Aerial Type A100: Hundreds of these ultra-high-frequency aerials have been produced for use on aircraft.
• Environmental Data Collection System: This system uses satellite relay to collect environmental data from remote locations.
• Radar projects: McMichael has been involved in various radar projects, including gunnery, sea-to-air, and missile guidance systems.
• Underwater sound range: McMichael developed an underwater sound range for the Admiralty.
• McMichael's legacy is one of innovation, quality, and commitment to serving the needs of its customers, both civilian and military. The company's contributions to the fields of radio, television, and military technology have been significant, and its story continues to evolve under the umbrella of the General Electric Company.

McMichael Limited: Timeline

Pre-Broadcast Era (1913-1922):

• 1913: Leslie McMichael co-founds London Wireless Club, fostering early radio experimentation.
• 1920: L. McMichael Ltd. was established, offering war-surplus equipment and components.
• 1921: MH (McMichael Hesketh) brand launched, focusing on quality broadcast receivers.
• 1924: McMichael pioneers train-to-train mobile radio communication experiment.

Early Broadcasting Boom (1922-1930s):

• 1922: First All-British Wireless Exhibition showcases McMichael's extensive product range.
• 1923: MHBR series of broadcast receivers established, gaining acclaim for technical excellence.
• 1924: McMichael participates in early experiments with airborne radio reception.
• Late 1920s: Renowned for innovative suitcase and transportable radio sets.
• 1928: First mains-operated radios were produced, keeping pace with technological advancements.
• 1930: Launch of McMichael Messenger magazine, highlighting company news and product details.
• Late 1930s: Adherence to "quality concept" leads to delayed adoption of superheterodyne receivers.
• 1932: McMichael goes public under the name McMichael Radio Limited.

Wartime Contributions and Diversification (1939-1950s):

• 1939: WWII disrupts television development, but McMichael focuses on diverse wartime production.
• Early WWII: Widespread manufacturing of bomb racks, suppressors, and other essential equipment.
• Later WWII: Expertise shifts towards radio communication for tanks, vehicles, and aircraft.
• Mid-1942: Production of highly secret IFF transmitter parts and detonators for magnetic mines.
• Post-war: Quick return to commercial radio and television production, showcasing sets with advanced features.
• Late 1940s: Design and production of the first British sonobuoys for submarine detection.
• 1949/50: Leslie McMichael assists in establishing the South Africa Branch of the British Institution of Radio Engineers.
• 1951: Leslie McMichael passes away, with Herbert Buckmaster succeeding him as Managing Director.

Merger and Shift to Specialized Equipment (1956-present):

• 1956: McMichael merges with Sobell Group to form Radio and Allied Industries Limited.
• Sobell name was adopted for domestic radio and television products, and McMichael focuses on military and scientific equipment.
• 1960s: Numerous classified projects were undertaken, alongside the development of equipment for naval vessels and universities.
• 1960: McMichael develops and manufactures equipment for UK1, Britain's first satellite, for cosmic ray measurements.
• 1961: McMichael becomes part of the G.E.C. consortium, gaining increased resources and capabilities.
• 1963: Company name simplified to McMichael Limited, reflecting specialized technical focus.
• 1982: McMichael Ltd changed its name again to Gecophone Ltd.
• 1988: they became part of GEC Power Systems Ltd.
• ​1989: became part of GEC Alsthom.