Need ID on this helmet
- Thread starter Ed Smurf
- Start date
maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
On another forum this photo has been identified as Russian,East German, Polish, Japanese etc...and even as a Canadian issued at one time which I really doubt, so what is it? More pics if needed
British Mk III from the end of WW2 and into the 1960s. https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mk_III_helmet
On another forum this photo has been identified as 1-4 Scope Japanese etc...and even as a Canadian issued at one time which I really doubt, so what is it? More pics if needed
Definitely not Russian, Polish, Canadian or Japanese. It looks to me like a British MkIV helmet.
Definitely a British Mk.III (most likely given the paint) or a Mk.IV. The difference is that the liner on a Mk.III was held in by a screw top centre and the Mk.IV had a riveted stud so the liner could snap in and out (so the pot could be used as a wash basin).
I'd be worried about the reliability of those other forums...
I'd be worried about the reliability of those other forums...
It is a Mk.IV helmet. The chin strap rivets are close to the rim. The Mk III has chin strap rivets that are about 2 inches higher up the side from the rim. Another difference is that the Mk.IV has a lift the dot snap at the helmet apex to retain the liner. The Mk III uses a screw and nut at the apex to retain the liner.
Mk III pictured below. Produced for a much shorter time than the Mk IV's so not as common to find around.
Mk III pictured below. Produced for a much shorter time than the Mk IV's so not as common to find around.
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That's exactly correct like I identified it in my post #3 above. Definitely a British Mk IV. For comparison, the location of the chinstrap rivet is clearly seen here:
OP helmet
British MkIV
British Mk III
Just got this photo from owner...so it looks like a Mark III...
But then there is this...
The construction of this helmet is definitely corresponding to a MkIV. It has a low chinstrap rivet location and the "Lift-A-Dot" liner retainer which you can see on your second photo, as opposed the nut and bolt which was on the MkIII. However, it's marked Mk III on your first photo. The only explanation which comes to my mind is that the steel shell was manufactured in the final batches of the Mk III series and then furnished as a Mk IV version which was introduced in late 1944.
The other thing strange to me is a weird bluish camouflage paint. A normal color should be a sort of green.
It’s a MKIII shell (aka the D-Day helmet”) finished as a MKIV. CDN MKIII’s were returned to stores after the landings.
This particular helmet was made by Briggs Motor Bodies Ltd (UK).
It has been fitted with a MKIII liner from the MKIV helmet. MKIII’s normally used MKII liners... MK Mk Mk...
This particular helmet was made by Briggs Motor Bodies Ltd (UK).
It has been fitted with a MKIII liner from the MKIV helmet. MKIII’s normally used MKII liners... MK Mk Mk...
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Yes and there are differences in paint colour for helmets issued to the various commonwealth countries. Then there are the civil defence versions which use a lighter steel and non sand based paints.
And just for added simplicity, lol..... there’s also colour differences between early production runs and later, post war 1950’s refurbishments and helmets issued to allies
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Was this a problem? Was the helmet deficient?
I’m unsure as the actual reason but:
- The helmets were not deficient as in fact were later reissued and held to be much superior to the MKII helmets.
- it’s known that there were only 3 MKIII helmet manufacturers, all UK based.
- it’s known that Canada made an agreement to get the MKIIIs directly from the UK so as not having to setup manufacturing.
- By June 6, 1944 there were not a lot of them around so they were issued primarily to only the initial storming divisions for the UK and Canada.
- My guess is once OP Overlord was over somebody on the supply side went well you’re no longer a “storming division” so give them back - without thinking about or perhaps simple lack of foreknowledge that the plan was for an army wide rollout of MKIIIs (with the frontline units getting priority).
- The MKIII rollout was cut short by the simple changes made in the form of the MKIV (the MKIV took rapid precedence due to the anticipated fighting in the Far East and the potential need for the helmets to carry water if necessary - the value of which is easily demonstrated by the US helmets in that climate).
