Japanese civilian helmets

[RussellM]

I often see Japanese 'civilian' or civil defense helmets on ebay advertised as soldiers or combat helmets. Is there any documented evidence of these being worn in combat?

Regards
Russ

[JarethH]

I once saw footage of the civilian defense/last ditch helmets being worn in combat at wars end BUT the majority (99%) you see on ebay were not. These are usually found unissued & without insignia. I'm certain there were large quantities found post war. In the 70's they started showing up with insignias (army star/navy anchor) added. You can find them with civic insignias such as youth groups, cadet, colledge badges etc. This style helmet was used by many homeland groups such as police, fire, factory workers/guards, air raid wardens etc.

[RussellM]

Thanks Jareth. I thought I saw some of these being worn in combat footage also, but couldn't be too sure as it was only very brief - from the Last days of WWII series I think from memory.

Regards
Russ

[JarethH]

That's the footage I saw!

[RussellM]

Well, ok! I taped the series when it was on tv, so, now I think I'll try and find that footage again and try and take a still image or two. I thought it was a great programme.

Regards
Russ

[JarethH]

Russ, I sure would love to see that footage again, hint, hint! JH

[RussellM]

I'm going to drag out the old VHS player today and hook it up! If I can find the footage, I'll try and take some still shots with the camera. I must buy a DVD recorder and convert them to disc. I have about 35 or 40 VHS 8 hour tapes with programmes recorded from the History Channel which need to be converted as well...

Regards
Russ

[RussellM]

Here's a couple from D-Days in the Pacific - Closing the Jaws. About as good as I could get.

The first two look a little like the early helmet you have. Footage was supposedly from New Guinea. What do you think?

Regards
Russ

[RussellM]

Another one, not sure on this, could be a combat helmet, but hard to tell. On the moving footage, it doesn't appear to have a cover or a net, as there is a large rivet on the side of the helmet. Footage said to be from New Guinea, but the footage also appears on a piece from Peleliu.

I'll keep looking and continue to update here if I find anything else.

Regards
Russ

[JarethH]

Russ, the first posted photos are of the early style helmet. I say this also because of uniforms etc. I think they just used stock footage & mixed it in. The second photo looks like standard type 90 with a cloth cover. Hard to be certain since you mention the rivit in another frame. Still with distortion etc it's a hard call. These are not the footage I remember seeing. Thanks for posting them.

[RussellM]

Thanks Jareth. I often find the same footage appears in many different theatres! I'm working my way through the "Last Days" series now, so hopefully I'll find something else. I'll try to get a better shot of the colour pic as well.

Regards
Russ

[RussellM]

Jareth, I think you're correct on the colour pic. When re-viewing, I can't see what I initially thought was a rivet, so I think your suggestion of a covered combat helmet is a good one.

Continuing my "Last Days" viewing...

Regards
Russ

[JarethH]

Thanks Russ! I appreciate your time & effort!