British/South African helmet North Africa

[Lt Visser]

Yesterday my grandpa gave me his helmet, bayonet and a field dressing he had in his garage....He fought in El-Alamein and Tobruk under the Royal Natal Carbineers.

[Dimas]

Very interesting stuff with it's real story!

[neil]

VERY NICE collection! Congrats. It look well taken care of.

Could you could please ask your Grandfather why there are three holes in the rim of the helmet? I like to research WW-II North Africa, and have'nt seen that before. Are they normal on some helmets or is it something he improvised for the desert. Is there any kind story behind it?

Thank you
Neil.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Neil, the helmet is actually South African issue, hence the three holes to the rim. Made to allow the attachment of a cloth sun shield to protect the neck.

Cheers, Ade.

[Lt Visser]

Hi Neil,
Adrian is right. A veteran from the Moth club told me they planned on making a clip on visor for extended sun protection. The markings inside the helmet is Jager-Rand 1941. The company still produces equipment for the South African Army. I have a olive green South African helmet aswell and also the three holes.

[neil]

So it was standard. Now if I come across any photos of someone with a helmet and something hanging off the back , I can go HEY! I know where he's from. lol

Thanks guys.

neil

[magicdutchmen]

Yes, the holes in the back were used for a cloth to protect the neck from the burning sun. I have seen pictures of an example somewhere.

[emileverbunt]

This should give you an idea. I believe to be an original. I took it off Ebay about a year ago.

Cheers,
Emile

[Paul D]

Thanks for posting , an original 8th Army lid , very nice !!

regards

Paul

[magicdutchmen]

would love to see some bigger pictures Emile.
Looks good so far