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Tanker Mike 23-04-13 05:10 PM

Pith helmet in WW2
 
Which regiments would have worn the pith helmet in WW2, was this an Africa use only piece of kit or used in the Italy campaigns.

servicepub 24-04-13 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanker Mike (Post 210340)
Which regiments would have worn the pith helmet in WW2, was this an Africa use only piece of kit or used in the Italy campaigns.

Interesting question. Although the Wolseley helmet was the approved headdress, (in khaki - or white with khaki cover) for Summer Dress DND bought over 300,000 fibre helmets made by Hawley for issue to the expanding army. Officers could still purchase Wolseleys and, in some cases, the Cawnpore style pith helmets, but these were for wear in Canada only.

Sun helmets were made available in North Africa by the British and the few Canadians who served there may have obtained them through British channels. I have a photo of an RCAF armourer wearing a Wolseley in North Africa.

Insofar as Italy is concerned I have only ever seen two photos of sun helmets in wear, and both times by members of the PPCLI, and both helmets were Italian.

Clive


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