WW2 Japanese Civil Defense Helmet, Need Help With Translations.

[War Talks]

Hi, There

I have a WW2 Japanese Civil Defense helmet with writing on the inside. I was wondering if anyone would be able to help translate it.

Thanks

[MAP]

I have moved this to the Japanese Forum.

[ghp95134]

機作58
Kisaku 58
Machine-made 58

I do not know if "machine-made" is the correct translation.

• Ki 機 is machine, but it can also be short for "machine gun" [機関銃 kikanjuu]; it also can be short for aircraft [飛行機 hikouki].
• I do not understand how "made" [作 saku] fits here.

Cheers,
-- Guy

[bestmsdt]

Hi Guy,
If we assume that this is helmet 58 for a unit in a manufacturing facility, could it perhaps be 'machine shop' helmet 58?
Cheers,
Tony

[ghp95134]

I suppose it could.

— Guy

[kemo]

hello
I think that the Japanese language and military language are correct, which stands for Operation Mobile Unit.
In Japan, the name of the unit is often abbreviated.


機(ki)→機動部隊(kidoubutai)→mobile unit

作(saku)→作戦(sakusen)→operation

I am Japanese.
I'm not an expert, but it's a common interpretation in Japan."

[ghp95134]

hello
I think that the Japanese language and military language are correct, which stands for Operation Mobile Unit.
In Japan, the name of the unit is often abbreviated.


機(ki)→機動部隊(kidoubutai)→mobile unit

作(saku)→作戦(sakusen)→operation

I am Japanese.
I'm not an expert, but it's a common interpretation in Japan."

Thanks Kemo -- that makes sense! We really appreciate your input -- we have so few native-speakers; and even native-speakers are not always familiar with military terminology.

Interesting also that almost the same unit name is 機動隊 Kidōtai: riot police !! (^__^)

Thanks again,
-- Guy