WW2 British Tommy helmet

**edelweiss123** · 05-17-2013, 07:03 PM

by canti44

Edelweiss I was doing a bit of research this week on my South African mk2 and learned that many 8th army desert-painted lids were overpainted green when the troops were readied for the invasion of Italy after the successful conclusion of the North African Campaign. You never know, your green-painted lid may have been done in the field. If I can find the link I was reading the other day I'll edit it back in this post for you to have a look.

Incidentally, the 70th Anniversary of the end of the North African Campaign was Monday, and the 70th anniversary of the dambuster's raid was yesterday which offers an interesting series of timelines!

It does indeed! If you can find that link it would be fantastic, would love to take a look. Thanks.
P.S, i'll stop hijacking this thread now

**The woodpecker** · 05-17-2013, 08:12 PM

Vicky how you understand that Dougla's helmet its a South African made?

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Vicky how you understand that Dougla's helmet its a South African made?

**Jerry B** · 05-17-2013, 08:16 PM

by The woodpecker

Vicky how you understand that Dougla's helmet its a South African made?

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Vicky how you understand that Dougla's helmet its a South African made?

It is not SA, it is just that it was desert camo that led to the discussion of SA helmets, I think. Sorry to answer for Vicky, not really my place perhaps.

**edelweiss123** · 05-17-2013, 08:19 PM

Jerry's right, sorry for any confusion

**The woodpecker** · 05-17-2013, 08:21 PM

Ok then.What do you think for my helmet Vicky.I'' apreciate your opinion.Many Thanks

**edelweiss123** · 05-17-2013, 08:28 PM

Hey, i think its a nice example. At the end of the day, everybody has to start somewhere, and this is a good piece. Yes, you will find better examples, but that is the same with 99% of militaria, if you are happy with it, that's all that matters at the end of the day. Regarding the restoration, i cant comment because im still umming and arrring about what to do with mine so to comment would be hypocritical. If i see any good ones over here i will give you a shout

**The woodpecker** · 05-17-2013, 08:32 PM

I wont restore/repaint my helmet.I''l continue taking of the odd paint and the rust

**edelweiss123** · 05-17-2013, 08:35 PM

by The woodpecker

I wont restore/repaint my helmet.I''l continue taking of the odd paint and the rust

Ok, just bear in mind what Jerry has said and others, sometimes the post war paint is part of the helmets history.

**The woodpecker** · 05-17-2013, 08:42 PM

You are right but that ,i think,wasn't a military factory repainting acording to the paint's splits.I forgot previously to ask something.Can i, please, see a example of a ww2 era RAF or Royal Navy tommy helmet?Thanks