B type flying helmet R.N.Z.A.F.

[Kia kaha]

A rare unmodified B type Helmet used by trainee pilots in 1940.

 

I managed to pick this up as I was displaying early parachute helmets and equipment with some more modern gear used by Airborne troops

11 S.A.S. Battalion was formed from 2 Commando on 21 November 1940, they wore this type of helmet in the initial jumps from converted Whitley Bombers, exiting through the rear gunners cabin.

X troop 11 S.A.S. Bn conducted the first raid behind enemy lines at the Tragino Aquaduct in Italy on 10/11 February 1941.

B type with modifications for tightening, most of these would be modified so that radio headphones or tubes for communication could be

worn

these helmets have Air Ministry (A.M.) labels not RNZAF as is here.