Aussie Lieutenant Helmet

[aussie mick]

Bought this one for the History rather than the appearance.

It belonged to Edward Frederick George Kingsley-Smith.VX 100290
He joined the Militia in 1936 and finished his service with the AIF in 1946.

He started in the 6th Heavy Brigade RAA as a Bombadier and also served in the 2/4th and "M Force" (if anyone knows anything about this please let me know)and then finished up as a Lieutenant with the Pacific Islands Infantry battalions,3&4 New Guinea Infantry Battalion.(this was a battalion of Native New Guineans under the command of Australian Officers)

Although he served most of his time in Australia,he was there in New Guinea in 45 to mop up.

The Helmet is interesting as it is dated 1940 which is 2 years before he re-enlisted in the Regular AIF and was allocated the serial number on the rim (there is a feint pencil serial number which is his Militia number also on the rim),so i can only presume he kept his original helmet.
Also instead of the usual Net Shadow this one seems to have a Hessian Cover Shadow.

Cheers Mick

[Australia]

Nice piece of named Aussie history , great score .

[sandgroper]

That is a beauty Mick!

[tinlid]

It may be well worn, but the history to go with it well compensates for that. A beaute.

[Mark K]

Bravo Mick an exceptional score indeed the history of the man that wore the helmet is what makes this piece stand out

Regards Mark