1939 MKII helmet with red stripe painted around...any opinion about what is it?

[JUBILEE42]

Hi to All,
Here is a early British MKII dated 1939 with an unusual red stripe around......tactical sign?, army fireman? Beach party? or...
somebody knows what that painted stripe could be???
(sorry, only these pics available)

Best & Thanks
Thierry

[hayleyp]

Fire brigade

Mabye fire brigade ?

[ROBB]

Yes I thought Fire Brigade . Rob

[tinlid]

Not the standard place to put the red band, but if it is for the NFS then its a company officer.

[grndevil44]

I had first impression being Fire also, thanks Aaron on the possible rank

[JUBILEE42]

Not the standard place to put the red band, but if it is for the NFS then its a company officer.

Hi to All,

It's because i'm not absolutely convinced that it's a fire brigade helmet even if, of course, the red band may suggest that it is...
Here is a picture (taken in a LCA back from the Dieppe raid in august 1942) where we clearly see Royal Navy helmets with the same band features (except the colour, clearly white or off-white) ie painted around the middle of the helmet but also exceeding on the skirt and I don't think that it's just a painting mistake position but much more the "regulatory" way to position that stripe around...just my thought...

...Perhaps a Royal Navy fireman helmet...

Best to All
Thierry


The helmet in question, in black and white, to simulate the contrast appearance of period pics.

[tinlid]

Most military personnel, army, navy & RAF would have had textured paint on their helmets, while non military people like firemen on the home front would have been issued smooth painted helmets. This is not always in every case, but the NFS standard paint scheme was khaki green with red or white markings.

[servicepub]

Although I have no evidence I was always under the impression that these were worn by Beachmaster staff, i.e., Naval personnel responsible for clearing the beach up to the high tide mark.
Clive

[helmhunter]

Hi Thierry,

I'm also on the Fire Brigade side but it is a very interesting MKII.
I hope you will find out the signification of this red band.

All the best,

Phil.

[muzrub]

I found this while trolling ebay. A fireman's helmet.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/WW2-NFS-S...item5af8872045

Cheers,

Jamie

[tinlid]

Thats the usual place for the red band, 1x 1/2in. red band leading fireman, 2x 1/2in. red band section leader, 1x 1 1/2in red band company officer, 1x 1 1/2in & one 1/2 red band above senior company officer. All over khaki green painted helmets, or grey on the Mk2 No.2's.

[hayleyp]

army

Hi yours could be for the armys fire brigade,Will