A historic Birmingham manufacturer is appealing for help from war veterans and their families to find what are coined 'The Lost Clickers' of the D-Day landings.

ACME Whistles, which was founded in Birmingham in 1870 by brothers Joseph and James Hudson, is working with The Royal British Legion on the mission to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Hockley-based ACME is searching for the original 'Clickers' which were issued to the American Airborne Division as a vital piece of survival equipment.

Paratroopers were dropped into darkness behind enemy lines on the night before D-Day.

If they were not alone when they landed, or later detected someone close by, they were to click once with two clicks in reply meaning friend and no response meaning something else.

It was assumed that Clickers would be captured and even replicated so they were to be used for 24 hours only and after that banned completely.

Simon Topman, managing director of ACME Whistles
Simon Topman, managing director of ACME Whistles

ACME said many replica and counterfeit Clickers had been found but very few genuine originals had ever been seen.

Around 7,000 Clickers were made during the six-month period immediately before D-Day in 1945 with some nickel plated but other just left in plain brass to ensure there was time for every Clicker to be individually tested in time for D-Day.

ACME said the genuine originals would have tell-tale features that only it would recognise.


Managing director Simon Topman said: "During World War II, ACME played a vital role in the war effort.

"There was no commercial trade as production was given over entirely to making whistles for the war effort and, of course, Clickers.



"We have people contact us regularly with ACME Thunderers, Metropolitan Police Whistles, Artillery Whistles and Infantry Whistles that were used in World War II but never a Clicker."

An ACME Whistles Clicker
An ACME Whistles Clicker

Catherine Davies, head of remembrance at The Royal British Legion, added: "D-Day marked a turning point in the Second World War and changed the course of history.

"As we commemorate 75 years since the Normandy landings it's great to see organisations such as ACME find ways to thank this special generation and we look forward to seeing what the search for the lost Clickers unveils."

ACME is planning to hold a commemorative day for veterans, friends and family who find any of the Clickers.

For more details about the initiative contact Ben McFarlane on email ben.mcfarlane@acmewhistles.co.uk or call 0121 554 2124.