WW2 British, Home Front, ‘W’ (Warden), MkII Helmet.

This No.2C shell, designated ‘2C’ by the addition of three holes to each side of the brim and being made from an inferior steel, was manufactured by BMB (Briggs Motor Bodies Ltd of Dagenham) in 1940 with a size 7 liner manufactured in 1939 by J Compton Sons & Webb Ltd (London). Retaining its original factory grey green paint with ‘W’ stencilled to the front and ‘K’ to the front and rear inner rim, I presume these stands for post K? Priced to reflect very good overall condition with ‘minor wear’ and limited paint chipping.

Please refer to photographs as they form part of the item’s description. For more general information please refer to ‘MKII Helmet History’ below:

MKII HELMET HISTORY:
Following the end of WW1, the British Governments attitude of ‘peace through disarmament’ led to a considerable reduction in the size of Britain’s armed forces and a freezing of expenditure. Consequently, uniforms and equipment remained virtually unchanged until the mid-1930’s, when belatedly the rearmament programme brought some changes.
During late 1937 it was decided that since it was desirable that steel helmets be totally non-magnetic, refurbished MKI helmets should be fitted with a stainless-steel rim and strap securing lugs, becoming known as the MKI*
During early 1937 the Home Office began considering the purchase of steel helmets for the Air Raid Precautions Service, Police and Fire Services. During June 1937 the War Office informed the Home Office that they did not have the stock to supply these helmets and that the dies did now not exist to manufacture new helmets. At this point a joint decision was made to investigate the production of a war time estimated need for 2, 250, 000 new helmets.
During early 1938 contracts were placed with three companies to begin the production of the required helmet shells: Harrison Bros. & Howson., William Dobson and Son. And Joseph Sankey & Sons Ltd. with liners being manufactured by Everet W. Vero & Co and Helmets Ltd. Helmet assembly was given to P.B. Cow & Co Ltd who began the work in late September 1938. Initial production was earmarked for the Police and Fire Services with Air Raid Precautions and the Armed Services being supplied from early 1939. These first helmets were painted in various colour schemes at time of manufacture to meet different requirements; Police were painted constabulary blue and fire service being a smooth grey green. Initial air raid precautions were also painted grey green, but this was later changed to black. Service helmets, for all three departments, were initially painted ‘khaki grey’ but in 1943 this was changed to ‘dark brown’.

Code: 262