American helmets of the Second World War

19
Like the cuirass, the army protective helmet (in French helmet) appeared in the modern army from the past. Over time, the battle armor, which defended the warriors for several thousand years, was transformed into it. stories. The truth existed in military history and such a period of time when the heads of soldiers were defended only by hats with feathers or shakos and caps with lacquered visors, but over time this “absurd” fashion passed, and metal protective helmets returned to service.

Again, the military leadership remembered the protective helmets during the First World War. The fact is that this war very quickly turned into a trench, where the heads of soldiers who regularly appeared over the parapet of trenches became the main target of the defeat. They fired machine guns at them, jammed them with high-explosive shells, tried to cover them with shrapnel. It is not surprising that the losses among the personnel of the fighting armies from being hit in the head just monstrously increased. It was then that the generals and sounded the alarm.

The first to invent their own helmet (helmet) were the French. Their model was named "Adriana", the release of this protective helmet on the flow was put at the beginning of 1915 of the year. At the same time, the helmet created in France was assembled from 3 parts: a cap, skirts and a comb. The use of protective helmets in parts significantly reduced the loss of the French. The number of people killed immediately decreased by about 12-13%, and the number of injured was almost 30%. Such a remarkable and relatively easy-received result could not go unnoticed by other participants in the world war. Moreover, Adrian’s helmets were immediately acquired by the Allied states: Great Britain, Russia, Italy, Romania, Portugal, etc. The Germans began to create their own helmet.

American helmets of the Second World War
M1917


So it was during the First World War that the helmet finally became an important attribute of a soldier of any army in the world. In the American army, the first steel helmet appeared in 1917 year. That model copied the British MkI helmet and was not the most successful, which became especially noticeable by the beginning of World War II. The difference between the American helmet and the English was smaller on 0,5 cm field width. The American protective helmet received the M1917 marking, at the end of 1917, mass production of this helmet was started in the USA.

However, by the beginning of World War II, the helmets in the American army did not provide sufficient protection for the soldiers. The helmet of the transition model М1917А1, in fact, copied the outdated model of the helmet М1917. They had to be urgently replaced by a more modern model. For this purpose, a project was returned from the dusty archives, which was proposed by the War Department official Robert Paterson in 1928. According to this project, the helmet should consist of two parts - the steel helmet itself and the balaclava, which was made of cardboard or another light base, which could be easily removed without any damage to the helmet itself. In the future, the creator of the most famous American protective helmet Sydenham developed this idea, while at the same time abandoning the helmet form is still of the English type.

The first tests of the helmet took place at the beginning of 1941, they showed its effectiveness. As a result of the tests, minor modifications were made to the fastening system of the balaclava, which in the initial version was carried out with just one riveting in the arch of the helmet. In November 1941, the helmet was adopted by the American army, at the same time, its production promptly began. The marking of the new helmet - “Helmet steel M-1” patent No. 137.390 was registered by the Virginia Patent Office. In total, 1941 1945 22 M-363 helmets were manufactured in the US from 015 to 1 in the United States, which 9 manufacturers were immediately involved in producing. The depth of the standard M-1 helmet was 17,7 cm, length - 27,9 cm, width - 24,13 cm, weight - 1,45 kg.

M-1


The M1 helmet boasts a long service history. After World War II, it was used by the US military during the Korean War. In 1961, a new modification of this helmet with a nylon-based liner was adopted (the filler is 5 layers of nylon fabric; phenol-formaldehyde resin became the link), which replaced the usual cotton fabrics. The purpose of the replacement was to improve the ergonomics of the combat helmet and increase the anti-shatter resistance on 10-15% to the level of 415 m / s when tested with a standard FSP fragmentation simulator with a 1,1 gram mass. A large batch of such helmets was released in 1966-1967 (about a million pieces) and was massively used during the Vietnam War. Only in the 1980-ies, the new helmet has come to replace the M1 helmet - PASGT.

Steel protective helmet M-1

As noted above, the steel helmet M-1 had an original design, which at that time had no analogues in the world. Each such helmet consisted of two parts: a steel helmet, which was made from an alloy of steel and manganese and a lightweight balaclava, which was originally made of compressed cardboard, painted from the outside in olive color. On the inner side of the cap comforter M-1, there were fabric tapes that performed cushioning functions. These tapes were securely fastened with special brass holders. At one time, such a system was created by John Riedel, whose company specialized in the production of protective equipment for American football, including gaming helmets, in which this liner was used.

The external steel sphere of the new helmet, which was called the “steel pot”, has remained almost unchanged since the production of the M-1. At the same time, there were insignificant differences between the earlier versions of the protective helmet (released until the middle of the 1960-s) and their later versions. The first change to the M-1 helmet design was made already in 1944 year. The composition of the steel from which the steel pot was made, reduced the amount of manganese, which made the helmet more fragile, and also changed the direction of the rolling, which transferred the connecting stitch from the front of the helmet to the back of the head. In the future, this seam has become a very important identification mark for collectors of similar military products.

M-1


The same significant distinguishing feature of the early M-1 helmets was the chin slings. In the first earliest version, the brackets, to which the lines were attached, were rectangular and welded to the helmet itself, but this design proved to be very fragile, so it was replaced with a movable bracket. The slings themselves for all the time of mass production underwent only one big change. This happened at the time of the second major wave of release in the years of the war in Vietnam. Together with the shape of the protective helmet itself (the occipital part and its depth were reduced), the method of fastening the sling was also changed - they began to install it on a special clip that prevented quick wear of the mount. Prior to these changes, the chin line was sewn into the arms in the simplest way, but there were also minor differences that were mainly associated with manufacturers: different shapes and materials of fasteners, hooks, different shades of lines, etc. And in 1965, the ways of painting M-1 helmets were changed. Early versions of the helmet were covered with a special mixture of paint and sand (there was an option with cork), but by the beginning of the Vietnam War in the middle of the 1960-s, this color scheme was abandoned, removing sand from the composition.

Unlike the metal helmet itself, the cap comforter has undergone significantly more changes. This mainly concerned the materials from which it was produced. For example, the first versions were made, as noted above, from compressed cardboard. However, due to rapid wear, especially in a humid climate, it was decided to abandon cardboard for good, turning to fiberglass. Fiberglass liners were most common in the period from 1944 to 1965, when plastic began to be used as a new material for the lintel.

In the M-1 helmet, the cap comforter repeated the shape of the helmet, connecting with it with a special leather strap that pounced on the visor of the steel helmet. Inside the balaclava there was a special suspension consisting of lines, from which two main systems could be distinguished: the central and occipital. The occipital system was simpler and consisted of attached to the most balaclava and sling. The central system was much more complex — it was a centrally adjustable “parachute” and a leather-covered ring. Thanks to this system, the creators of the helmet managed to solve the problem of producing helmets of various sizes. Now every fighter could easily fit the helmet exactly for themselves. At the same time, the suspension carried out a much more important mission: when it hit the helmet, the strained slings absorbed the blow, saving the soldier from hitting the helmet itself. Also, in addition to the main task, the comforter had a second one, which was to save the soldiers from injuries outside the fighting.

Cap comforter M-1


The substantial weight of the helmet had a detrimental effect on the cervical vertebrae. For this reason, parades and official events were worn, mainly, only balaclava. Due to this fact, the designations of combat units, insignia, kind of troops began to appear on the helmets. If we talk about the signs of distinction, the cap comforter allowed not only to draw them on itself, but also provided the possibility of mounting metal external signs. For these purposes, used a hole located in the front part of the balaclava.

Varieties of helmet M1 since the Second World War

Parachute helmets М2 and М1С:

The special parachute helmet under the designation M2 was created simultaneously with the ordinary M-1, but had a number of changes: the A-shaped fasteners for the leather chin holder were installed in the liner suspension system, and the chin strap itself was attached to special D-shaped arms that were welded to helmet In 1944, the M2 helmet came to replace the M1 model. In a protective helmet of this design, it was decided to replace the D-shaped arms with “simple” movable fasteners, which were put on M-1 helmets, and on the chin strap there was a place for a button designed to fix the helmet on the fighter’s head more firmly.

M2


T-14 photographer helmet

In May, the 1944 of the year developed another original M-1 helmet model, which was intended for military cameramen and photographers. Despite the fact that the T-14 helmet model passed a series of tests at the European theater of military operations, this helmet could not be widely used in the American army. The main difference of this helmet from M-1 was the rising frontal part, which allowed to bring the equipment to the face, without removing the helmet itself.

T-14 photographer helmet


USAAF Mk3 flak helmet

Model helmet, designated USAAF Mk3 flak helmet, was created specifically for the air force. The basis of this helmet lay steel sphere from M-1 with built-in suspension without a balaclava. Protective shields with cork gaskets were attached to this suspension. This structure of the helmet was due to the fact that it was necessary to wear it over the headset.

USAAF Mk3 flak helmet


Information sources:
http://www.helmets.ru/cat_usa.htm
http://www.shovkunenko-book.ru/arsenal/zaschitniy-shlem.html
http://warspot.ru/40-amerikanskie-kaski-vtoroy-mirovoy
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19 comments
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  1. The comment was deleted.
  2. +12
    12 August 2015 06: 49
    Very interesting article. I have always believed that I possess rather extensive knowledge of steel helmets of the Soviet, German and American production during the Second World War, however, I found a lot in this article for myself. Although my native helmets SS-36, SS-39 and SS-40 are closer to me, of course. I myself am the proud owner of the Soviet steel helmet SSH-39, manufactured in 1941, manufactured by LMZ. The helmet is quite rare and most importantly in excellent collectible condition. fellow
  3. +1
    12 August 2015 08: 19
    And where are the close photos of the helmet, if not secret? Does the author have a sample? (it would be cool!)

    P. S. Everything - saw the links.
  4. +2
    12 August 2015 09: 18
    informative article. thank.
  5. +1
    12 August 2015 10: 01
    LMZ is our factory, it also has an SSh-36 helmet, only of post-war release. And the article is really informative, I didn’t even see helmets like pilots, I always thought that there was one type for the whole army.
  6. 0
    12 August 2015 10: 05
    I apologize, I wrote something on the helmet, SSH-42, otherwise I looked about a hanhilgolka, I didn’t notice how I dialed it myself)
  7. +9
    12 August 2015 10: 57

    Sorry, maybe not quite in the subject, but this American steel helmet is not described in the article:
    Helmet of naval artillery Mk 2.
    Among the special helmets used by the American army during World War II, a helmet designed especially for naval gunners stood out. First of all, the helmet stood out for its large size, this was due to the need for the helmet to be used by signalmen without removing the headphones. The helmet was twice the size of a regular army helmet. Helmet manufacturing was started by Manufacturing Company Detroit Michigan. The first helmets of this model were distributed in US NAVY. Initially, the helmet was used by radio operators, providing the ships with each other and with the central headquarters. From 1940 to 1945, McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company Detroit Michigan produced 400000 helmets. Gradually, helmets of this model became widespread in parts of the US Navy, as well as among coastal artillery units. A helmet made of manganese had a relatively light weight (1800 grams) and provided better protection than the already obsolete M 1917 A-1. The comforter had a very original design. Made of rubber or foam rubber, hemmed with fabric and glued to the arch of the helmet, he allowed the radio operator to use the helmet without removing the headphones, in addition, the helmet allowed the use of a gas mask at the same time. The chin strap was made of horse skin. The chin strap was fastened to two arcuate fasteners secured with two rivets. The size was adjusted by two aluminum buckles.
    The first helmets were painted olive and khaki. Since 1942, helmets began to be painted in blue and gray-blue. When painting a helmet, a frayed cork was added to the paint to create an anti-glare effect.
    Here is a photo:
    1. +6
      12 August 2015 12: 55
      Quote: Alexander72
      Among the special helmets used by the American army during World War II, a helmet designed especially for naval gunners stood out. First of all, the helmet stood out for its large size, this was due to the need for the helmet to be used by signalmen without removing the headphones.

      The lengthy narrative path is the short display path. (C) smile

    2. 0
      12 August 2015 16: 26
      - This thing was also non-magnetic ...
  8. +10
    12 August 2015 10: 59
    And in continuation of the previous comment:
    Moreover, the American naval steel helmets Mk 2, as well as the usual infantry M1, were delivered during the Great Patriotic War in the USSR. In the photo, the Northern Fleet’s navy fires from an anti-aircraft gun: on the sailor's left, a Mk 2 naval artillery helmet to work with headphones, the rest have the usual M1 infantry. The differences in the shape and size of the helmets are clearly visible:
    1. +7
      12 August 2015 12: 04
      Perhaps the colleagues of this "Darth Vader" made fun of him!))))
      1. +6
        12 August 2015 12: 51
        Quote: otto meer
        Perhaps the colleagues of this "Darth Vader" made fun of him!))))

        This is not Vader - this is Lord Helmet:
        smile
        By the way, army helmets were also used on the ships. For example, in the photo from the Alaska MCT, those who charge the quad Bofors are wearing them.
  9. +4
    12 August 2015 11: 13
    A bit about a special helmet for the US Air Force:
    During the air raids, the U.S. Air Force suffered heavy losses among the crew members of bombers from small arms and fragments as a result of shelling by anti-aircraft artillery.
    In order to increase the personal protection of pilots, on September 30, 1943, a helmet was designed for bomber pilots. It was a modification of the M1 helmet, which received the initial marking T2. This helmet has been approved for use in all flight units. However, the release of T2 was strictly limited, the helmet was subjected to further tests.
    By December 1943, the T2 received the new M3 marking. Being a modification of M1, M3 had some differences: first of all, the helmet had a more simplified system of the cap comforter. Unlike the M1, which had an extractable cap comforter, on the M3 the cap comforter was riveted to a steel hoop that was welded directly to the surface of the helmet. Oval cutouts for the headphones were made on the sides. To protect the headphones, the side cutouts were covered by two movable steel plates that were attached to the sides of the helmet. Felt pads were placed inside the plates. A three-part chin strap was attached to these plates. The helmet was painted in a dark olive matte color on the outside and inside and the outside was covered with felt dust mixed with special glue, such a coating was necessary to prevent the helmet from freezing at high altitude and reduce the likelihood of static electricity.
    The weight of the helmet was about 1,5 kg. Helmets for this model were manufactured at McCord Radiator and Manufacturing company, Michigan. A total of 194 M683 helmets were produced.
  10. +7
    12 August 2015 12: 16
    The truth existed in military history and such a period of time when the heads of soldiers were protected only by hats with feathers or shakos and caps with lacquered visors,
    Not entirely true. Among such "mods" there was a huge number of the Cunning people who wore a sibillier under their hat. To protect against zombie radiation - a joke)))). Something like this.
  11. The comment was deleted.
  12. +1
    12 August 2015 16: 52
    - Illustration for the conducted (approximately in 1943 g) studies of the protective properties of helmets of various types conducted by military doctors.
  13. +2
    12 August 2015 20: 06
    Very interesting. I could not even imagine that many people in the general ranks in photographs in the official atmosphere and for the media were shot in the balaclavas. I could not even imagine such a thing.
    Wearing a helmet in combat conditions for soldiers of the American army and soldiers of the Wehrmacht was a prerequisite. I read somewhere (unfortunately I don’t remember where) that all American troops were insured. And in the case of a head wound, if there was no helmet (apparently an investigation was carried out), the insurance was not paid to the defendant, which entailed certain defeats for the benefits. And the soldiers of the Wehrmacht, who took part in the hostilities without a helmet, simply went to the penal units ...
    Pay attention to the military chronicle. Germans and Americans all in helmets, in almost any conditions ...
    And ours are in nail files and caps. Helmets dressed in staged plots of the chronicle, as compliance with the rules of the charters ...
    1. 0
      16 May 2018 16: 12
      No wonder General Patton wore a helmet everywhere, although this is simply ridiculous for the commander of his level. Looks like he advertised a helmet, they say, even army commanders wear helmets. I’m interested in two things: how much did the helmets manufacturers pay him, and is it true that his helmet is not steel, but from papier-mâché?
  14. +1
    12 August 2015 22: 45
    [quote = moskowit] And ours are in nail files and caps. Helmets dressed in staged plots of the chronicle, as compliance with the rules of the charter.
    The war veterans told me that they "lost" their helmets and gas masks, because on the march it is an additional burden.
  15. 0
    13 August 2015 05: 25
    Interesting. I was especially surprised by the method of painting early models (with sand and cork).
  16. 0
    4 November 2015 07: 23
    And remember, it was considered especially chic among hockey players to go out onto the ice without a helmet?
  17. 0
    31 March 2016 01: 21
    informative

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