A little bit of self promotion never did anyone any harm (I hope!) I’m delighted and a little relieved to advise that our book “Helmets of the Home Front” is now finished and I’m leafing through a copy. It is a BIG book with 362 full colour pages and includes over 1,000 different helmet markings so please don’t expect one-helmet-per-page! The aim of the book is to provide an introduction to the myriad of markings (lettering and “ranks”) applied to the helmets of the brave civilians who went about their business during the intense attacks on Britain during the war years. It has sections on the helmets themselves, including the “Zuckerman” and commercial variants as well as attachments such Gas Curtains, lamps and carriers. However the main focus is the markings applied, the rules which governed them and the changes they went through as the war progressed. It includes colour photographs of many previously unseen examples as well as period photographs. The markings are covered on a per-Service basis including:- Fire (AFS, NFS, Guards, Watchers and Parties) Wardens Industrial ARP Police (inc. Observer Corps) Health related Services (Medical Officer of Health, Casualty Services, FAP, Ambulance, SP, Hospitals and supporting voluntary services) Gas and Decontamination Services Repair Service Headquarters and Control (inc. Regional Column, Mutual Support, Transport, ARP etc.) Incident management & Messenger Service Rescue Service Many collectors (some of whom are here too) kindly provided access to their extensive collections and photographs to make this the first book on this hitherto under-documented topic in the book world. As it’s a self-published work it’s unlikely to make it to the shelves of the major book sellers but it is available directly from me (PM please) – the Retail Price is £65.
30 years.....and not one reply?!..........'guess that helps me decide re Book 2.... Seriously, my thanks to the Likers...........and of course to those who've actually taken the leap........
I'm sure it's an amazing book. I does look a fascinating tome. A little bit too niche for me I have to say. Good luck with it though.
I didn't comment initially as I'm trying to resist...my chaotic version of collecting really doesn't need another side-track I suspect that if I saw the book close up, the wallet would soon open.
Thanks all. Just received positive feedback from the “Britain at War” magazine (September, page 100).
Stock now 75% sold out....no re-print planned........I managed to count them whilst dodging the tumbleweed ........