British MkIII Turtle pattern helmet

[Adrian Stevenson]

With the basic design of the "Tommy" helmet dating from WW1 the British Army realised that a new design was really needed which gave better protection and a new improved ballistic shape. Introdued in late 1943.

This pattern helmet saw use on D-Day and was issued to most Infantry units fighting in North West Europe from then onwards. It was not intended to be issued to troops back home in the UK as supplies were limited, so combat formations got it first.

Note the colour has also changed from the early war "service Brown" seen on the Tommy helmet to a new rough finish very dark olive green paint.

The liner is maker marked and dated 1944.

[Adrian Stevenson]

I have another one of these in my collection which I show here alongside the previous one.

Again dated 1944.

Cheers, Ade.

[sscrooge]

very nice looking lids there Ade :thumbup: rgds dave

[Steve R]

Ade

These are very nice lids, I have one in my collection that I picked up a few years ago before they started to become more collectable and move up in price.

Thank you for sharing

:thumbup:

Steve R

[Mk1rceme]

Nice lids Adrian. I have a few of these myself. One has me puzzled though. I know of R.O. & Co. & BMB manufactured Mk.III's, but has anyone seen one made by F&L(Fisher & Ludlow)? I have one marked as such but have never found any info on F&L making Mk.III's. Anyone else out there have one?

Dale

[Mk1rceme]

Here is a pic of the stamp. It took me a while to find it, it was near the front of the helmet and hard to see.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi dale, thanks for the kind comments and the info on yours.

I also have another one of these helmets with a rough matt green exterior over paint. It is complete with chinstrap, but sadly lacks it's liner. So I am now on the lookout fo one. BTW liners are now faked.

Cheers, Ade.

[Mk1rceme]

Here are my four Canadian used Mk.III's. All have the original dark earth brown paint and Canadian liners. I have two other British used Mk.III's...both have British issued liners but they have repaints of OD green.

First: RO& CO. Mk.III - This one was a direct purchase from the original owners sister along with 119 other documents pertaining to his service. Named to Harrop H17591 - Service number is allotted to the PPCLI but the documents have shown a transfer from Italy to England in early March of 1944. Documents show service in France as early as June 26 with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and RCCS as a signalman. He undoubtedly traded his Mk.II in for the Mk.III before landing in France. Seriously wounded on Oct. 17 1944 and sent back to Canada Feb 10, 1945 after convalescing in England. Lived in Winkler, Manitoba til his death in 1976. How he managed to keep his helmet, I'll never know.

My favorite Mk.III helmet of the four I have and the only one with some recorded history behind it.

[Mk1rceme]

Next is a BMB Mk.III with an original two-tone scrimmed net. The scrim looks like the duck hunter bug net material from US issued helmet covers. Paint is all original. Canadian liner.

[Mk1rceme]

Next is another BMB Mk.III with original two-tone net. In hand, one can see the criss-cross pattern of the net on the shell very well. It has been there for a long time. Original paint and Canadian liner.

[Mk1rceme]

Last one is the F&L Mk.III I posted earlier. It is in rather rough shape. It has the original paint but most has worn off on the outside. Helmet net is an unissued two-tone that I put on. Liner is Canadian as well.

[Mk1rceme]

Hi dale, thanks for the kind comments and the info on yours.

I also have another one of these helmets with a rough matt green exterior over paint. It is complete with chinstrap, but sadly lacks it's liner. So I am now on the lookout fo one. BTW liners are now faked.

Cheers, Ade.

Hi Adrian,

If your looking for a British liner, I have two fairly beat-up ones that could probably part with. If your interested I can send pics.

Dale

[w.magowan@ntlworld.com]

great to see you here as well Dale!
i never tire of seeing your helmets.i have 7 mk.III's plus several Mk.IV's plus a couple of III's converted to IV's.these lids are much overlooked IMO, but i think are beginning to gain some popularity as the higher-priced lids are now waning.