Hi, I'm new to WW2Talk. If at all possible, it would be greatly appreciated if anyone could help me identify this unit marking on this helmet. Although I am new to collecting British Helmets, As far as my examination and research of the dates and markings, it appears to be an authentic. The liner has BMB 1/1939 7 1/2 (Briggs Motor Bodies LTD of Dagenham)stamped The lip/brim of the helmet has stamped M&S 1939 126 (Maxwell and Sons) It has a MkIII elastic type chinstrap...and the Chinstrap securing lugs are dated 1938. I am new to the British helmets...I researched it the best I could. I think it is a good authentic British WW2 MK II Helmet, but the ARM and SWORD insignia intrigues me. I have found the same arm and dagger/sword on flag/banner for the Irish Province of Connaught.
As I mentioned, I have found the same arm and dagger/sword on flag/banner for the Irish Province of Connaught. Any help would be greatly appreciated..also if the Unit is identified, any history would also be appreciated. attached is the flag/banner that I've found.. Thanks http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/images/symbols/flags.htm
It doesn't appear to be the Connaught Rangers, who have a harp as their insignia. The heraldic device of a naked arm grasping a sword - although not in the same configuration as yours, appears on several Scottish and Irish clan symbols and coats of arms, Lumsden, Geoghegan to name two. Could it be someone painting their own unofficial insignia? Don't know how the British military looked upon painting on tin hats - I've never seen it except white bands on engineers helmets on D-Day. Perhaps a veteran might help, not an expert myself but can't see British military encouraging the habit - perhaps the painting is a later addition?
77th INF Div and 2nd Anti aircraft corps have similar badges. http://www.petergh.f2s.com/flashes.html#top
Thanks for the info BrianM59, Yes, I thought about the Connaught Rangers...although the Canadian, British Columbia Regiment were also called Duke of Connaught's own rifles. and parts broke off to form the Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment) for home protection. The unit was then converted to the 28th Armoured Regiment and landed in France July 28th 1944 as part of the 4th Armoured Brigade of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division. Of course only thoughts.. Thank you wtid45.. yes the 77th is similar...
For all, who is interested.. I was just informed that the insignia is the WW2 Irish Western Command / 4th Western Brigade During WW2, it was an Irish Home guard Unit .. Thanks for everybody's help
