British Helmets and Other Equipment in World War II

World War II British Military
#41

"Berets in combat "only when the Sgt Major is not around, cause he would have a few “words” with the offender to dress regs…:)Followed with some extra work and drill …:frowning:

#42

Hi Guy’s
Nice pictures but there is a wrong caption the picture is not of a Royal Winnipeg Rifles soldier and the Div Patch is French Gray 3rd Cdn Div not blue 2nd Div is Dark Blue.
The Bren Gun eject out the bottom. from what I have read the 3rd British and 3rd Canadian were the only Div to use the Mk3 helmets on D DAY.
Cheers

#43

http://www.ww2incolor.com/forum/showpost.php?p=82003&postcount=1

MKIII-H1C
Mk III “Turtle” Helmet
From “The Armed Forces of World War II”, by Andrew Mollo, Crown Publishers Inc., 1981 (p 230)

Thanks for the correction Gerry :slight_smile:

#44

I vaguely recall reading something about the helmet being designed to defend primarily against air-burst shrapnel after the experiences of Tommies in the early days of WW1. I don’t recall exactly where I read that, so it might be complete bollocks, but it sounded likely to me.

#45

just to say those para pics look really good, it still looks wierd to me in colour

a good site to use is www.army-surplus.org.uk for gear or www.forcesreunited.org.uk to get intouch with pals you had in the army!

#46

As a Jock, I must point out that one should never refer to a member of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB) as a ‘Kosbie’ as they discovered while serving in India that it is a swear word in one of the native tongues of that country.

#47

Hi,
i have question about british pouches. I know, there was 2 types, one closed by snaps, and second closed by belts. I dont know how it’s called… You can see them on the picture below. And now, which was earlier type? I heard two different opinions. One told that earlier was that on snaps and second was inversely. And - what is the best i think - both people stand still, and they are ready to fight to prove their rights… In internet it’s the same thing.

#48

i like the american helmet better but the british used the smae helmet in ww1 and ww2 and they used the same rifle the lee enfield .303

#49

Cezar

Considering the tab-slide method was used on all British webbing from the ‘44’ pattern to to-days Personal Load Carrying Equipment (PLCE) so would say ‘for ammo pouches’ this is the best system. I found that press-studs on my kit could easily get damaged. they are used to secure the utility & water bottle pouches to the webb-belt.(PLCE)

Paul

#50

Hi Cezar, the pouches you have there are typical post-war manufacture. There are still lots of WWII era-snap closure pouches available on the internet. Very nice group of items you have there.

#51

iam new and seeing how i know nothing on helmets something ive had laying around for a couple years i had it looked at guy said it was a mark 2 tommy helmet for british troops in ww2 and would like some info on it

Picture 144.jpg

#52

The Americans also used the British style helmet for a spell in the first stages of their involvement in WW 2.

#53

Dura-Glit. Brasso was too messy. What a nostalgic thread this one is … all the heady fragances of my early recruit days came flooding back at once.

Cheers,
Cliff

#54

Thanks :wink:

But i have stamps inside each pouch. On one: MKIII - unreadable (MEC?) 1941 and arrow up, and on the oter everything is unreadable.

And other question, what about gas masks? I’ve found that type:

but what i heard, that type was issued in airborne units. And what about infantry? They were using MARK VII bags to the end of war?

#55

Cesar

the respirator & pouch that you have is the 1943 Light Pattern Anti-Gas Respirator and Haversack. Though it is known as the Airborne type, it was issued to both infantry and supporting units.

Paul

#56

Thanks! I want to be sure, because i have an opportunity to buy one in good price. :slight_smile:

#57

Cezar

If you are going to buy them, then I suggest you look for the date of when they were produced. 'The earlier they are, the more rarer & thus expensive they will be. There are a lot of postwar ones about which are dirt cheap. But if I were you, I would get a WW-2 1943-44 type especially if you looking for authenticy.

Paul

#58

It has stamps from 1944 :slight_smile:

#59

If you think you are getting the respirator & pouch for a good price, buy them, as you may not get a second chance.

Paul

#60

the tab-and-loop style closure first appears on 1944 manufactured pouches … but you never see people using them during the war.
Blacked-painted steel fittings are another feature of postwar webbing … although virtually any piece of wartime stuff can be found with at least some (maybe just one) phosphated steel fittings randomly included.
The bayonet frog shown here appears to be a one-piece-loop No.6 postwar pattern.