Brodie helmet, Steel, Mark II: like the other Dominions in the Second World
War, South Africa began to produce copies of the Mark II helmet when
they became unobtainable from the United Kingdom. Manufactured by the
Transvaal Steel Pressing Syndicate, some one and a half million helmets
were produced. Unlike the British Mark II and other copies, the plan of
the South African helmets was almost circular rather than oval. Another
distinguishing feature was three small holes punched into the rear
section of the brim, probably intended to allow the fitting of a neck
curtain in hot climates. Surplus South African helmets were supplied to
other Allied armies. |