Redsetter, absolutely correct.
The photograph shows the emergency intercom device as fitted to the CANBERRA PR9.
Should the PR9 aircraft Type A1961 electric intercom fail, communication between to two crew members was still possible through the normal UHF/VHF radio, or by the two frequency (243/243.8)emergency radio. However, in the situation of complete failure of electronic communication, the stick shown in the photograph could be used to pass messages between crew members. Cockpit noise precluded normal conversation, even by shouting.
The emergency communication stick was located in the navigator’s compartment, held in a spring clip, mounted on the floor, under the navigator’s ejection seat.
Uniquely, in the PR9, the navigator sits in front of the pilot, at his own station, access to which is by a swinging nose ‘door’. Although there is not a bulkhead, access from the navigators compartment to the pilots station is not possible. Racking behind the navigators ejection seat holds various pieces of electronic equipment, controls and kit. However, at approximately navigator head height, which was at about the height of pilot’s feet, there was a small open area just in front of the pilot’s feet, through which the end of the ‘stick’ could be pushed.
In the case of electronic intercommunication failure, the navigator was to write down (on a suitable piece of paper) whatever information that he wished to pass to the pilot. Using the ‘Bulldog’ clip, he would attach this to the ‘stick’. He would then unstrap from his seat, turn around and kneel upon it. He would then poke the ‘stick’ through the gap behind the seat, and get the pilot’s attention by banging the ‘Bulldog’ clip against the pilot’s flying boot.
At this point, the pilot was supposed to engage the autopilot, and after unstrapping, lean forward and down and remove the note, being careful not to lean too firmly against the control column, as this would disengage the autopilot and put the aircraft into a dive.
This emergency communication device was removed from PR9 aircraft in the late 1980’s, when a second UHF radio was fitted during ‘Major’ servicing.