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IJN Model 3 Helmet Discussion

Article about: I thought I'd compile the information we know so far into an easier readable thread. Feel free to discus or add any information you might have. IJN Helmet Models as of September 15th, 1932 (

  1. #1
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    Default IJN Model 3 Helmet Discussion

    I thought I'd compile the information we know so far into an easier readable thread. Feel free to discus or add any information you might have.


    IJN Helmet Models as of September 15th, 1932 (time of adoption), Evolution of the Naval System, Vol. 9

    Model 1 - old style helmets including brodie-style helmet used by Shanghai Rikusentai and loaned army 1922 provisional steel helmets (sakura and star vent style)

    Model 2 - Type 90 clone with anchor insignia, 1.0mm thickness

    Model 3 - Improved Type 90 clone with anchor insignia, 1.2mm thickness




    IJN Helmet Models, circa 1943 or later, Tateyama Naval Gunnery School Ground Warfare Weapons List captured by US Forces on Okinawa

    Model 1 - 1000g, 1.0mm thickness - detailed description of appearance not given

    Model 2 - Type 90 clone, 1000g (large), 950g (small), 1.0mm thickness

    Model 3 - 1250g, 1.2mm thickness - detailed description of appearance not given

    Special Model - Modified version of Model 2 for specially designated units (para model)

    *the weights appear to be approximations and do not take into account the weight with the liner installed




    Units confirmed to have used Model 3 helmets

    Maizuru 1st SNLF - 2187 pieces (+ 2466 covers noted), Hainan Island, China, 1945
    Sasebo 8th SNLF - 2194 pieces, Hainan Island, China, 1945
    201st Construction Unit - approx. 300 pieces, Dutch East Indies, March 1945
    324th Construction Unit - 451 pieces, Chusan Islands, April 1945
    339th Construction Unit - 50 pieces, Japan, April 1945

    Why so many construction units? Firstly because they accounted for a lot of IJN ground strength in the war and secondly other units such as Guard Units and Special Base Forces unfortunately did not specify helmet models in their records as far as I could find so far.




    Debut of the Model 3 Helmet

    During the final stages of the January 28th Incident, particularly during the assault on Woosung Fortress on March 3rd, 1932, we can already observe Type 90 style helmets with anchor insignias worn by IJN troops. It is not known whether or not these are Model 2s or Model 3s.

    Possible Model 3s or just Model 2s? Either way, evidence of IJN using Type 90 style helmets prior to their official adoption in September 1932. 1st Torpedo Squadron Destroyer Nagatsuki Rikusentai before their assault on Woosung Fortress, March 3rd, 1932




    Model 3 Helmets in action

    Maizuru 1st SNLF on Hainan Island, 1941




  2. #2
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    What came first, the regulations or the changes?

    The Navy's regulations for Naval Landing Forces are a nuanced manner. On one hand it is important to understand them, but on the other hand it is important to recognize that when going through many changes and testing prototypes, what was seen on the field was not always representative of the current regulations.

    On June 5th, 1939 an order was given by the Navy to henceforth paint their helmets brown and to repaint existing helmets in accordance with this change.

    Because of this order it has been assumed that helmets in circulation prior to this date were never painted brown until after the order came into effort. Using photographic evidence I would like to suggest the possibility that this was not the case.

    Compare the following two photos, the first is mid 30's Shanghai SNLF with what appear to be gray helmets and brass anchor insignias.


    Now the second, the Kure SNLF independent "Arinobu" company in Shanghai at the end of 1937 following the cessation of hostilities. These were the last of the reinforcements to arrive, reaching the city in mid September. Their helmets have a notably different paint scheme and overall texture than the first photo. Yet this is nearly well over a year before the regulation change.

    While it is impossible to definitively say the second photo shows brown helmets, it is clear differing paint schemes were used prior to the order of June 5th, 1939.

    We are close to the limit with available documentation in archives, but concentrated efforts on photo archival can allow us to continue to progress forward in our pursuit of knowledge on Naval Landing Forces.

  3. #3

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    thank you adachi for his additional information...hoping that his research continues

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