General Information: The first soldiers who embarked from New Zealand during the Second World War arrived without helmets. They were supplied with British MKIIs and, in some cases, South African-made MKIIs. The New Zealand armed forces ordered helmets from Britain, but because of shortages, a decision was made to import 40,000 helmet shells from Australia.Continue reading “New Zealand MKII”
Tag Archives: Mark II
Australian MKII
General Information: The Australian Mark II was a domestically produced version of the British Mark II. The two helmets were very similar, but unlike its British cousin, the Australian MKII had a raw edge. The reason for this is that the company that produced the helmets, Commonwealth Steel Company, lacked the machinery necessary to bendContinue reading “Australian MKII”
South African MKII
General Information: The South African Mark II was basically a clone of the British MKII. It can be readily distinguished from its British cousin by the three holes drilled or punched into the back rim. The purpose of the holes was to accommodate a neck flap, but there is very little period photographic evidence ofContinue reading “South African MKII”
Steel Helmets of the World Wars 