tropical helmet havelock

[Rule303]

Hello all,
I've been watching the forum for quite some time and have found it to be an invaluable resource in educating myself on the subject of Japanese militaria. Thank you to all the knowledgable folks out there willing to share their pearls of wisdom that has invariably taken them years of blood, sweat, and tears to amass.

I have a question regarding havelocks for tropical helmets. Were these the same pattern as those used for the cloth caps? Also, I would appreciate recommendations for a relatively comprehensive reference to Imperial Japanese uniform/field equipment/headgear if one exists.

Thanks again,
Rule303

[Bill Grist]

I have found that (Imperial Japanese Army In WWll) by Mike Hewitt is a good reference book for Japanese equipment, etc... For Japanese Rifles and Pistols the best books are by Fred Honeycutt.. Hope this helps some Bill in N.C.

[Rule303]

Thanks Bill

I'll check out Mr. Hewitt's book.

Regards,
Jared

p.s. I'm one of those relocated Yankees near Raleigh (don't hold it against me)

[Johnny S]

p.s. I'm one of those relocated Yankees near Raleigh (don't hold it against me)[/quote]

Well welcome to tha South.........!
Where ye from ?

There are some Great Raleigh Militaria shows twice a year there.

[Johnny S]

Double post.......................
Do'h !

[Rule303]

Johnny S,
Thanks, glad to be down here. I'm a Cincinnati boy, born and raised. I don't miss Midwestern winters. I've seen adverts for the Dixie Gun Show at the state fairgrounds but have not attended yet. What else should I be keeping my eye out for?

[Johnny S]

Keep an eye on the "Shows and Local Chapters " forum.
Located under the "Die Kneipe "

There you will see listings for Raleigh and surrounding areas.

A lot of Forum members attend the Raleigh Militaria show.
The next will be in June around the first of the month.
The second will be the first weekend of January .

A great place to meet other forum associates........

[Rule303]

Thanks for the info...

Will do.

[Josh Beckett]

Welcome to the forum.

I am a relocated southerner(born in Florida and lived there for 5 years).

As to the havelock question, I dont think there were any helmet havelocks as the Japanese would wear their field caps under their helmets. But I may be wrong.

[Rule303]

Hi Josh,
Thanks for the reply. It seems to me that wearing a cap underneath a pith helmet would negate the ventilation promoting attributes of the helmet's rather specialized suspension system.

All the examples I've handled of this type of helmet (only half a dozen or so) are equipped with three loops positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock (12 being the front of the helmet). I have been told these loops are for the attachment of a havelock. It seems to me that, given the greater circumference of the brim of a tropical helmet compared to a cloth hat, that a separate pattern of havelock may have existed sized specifically for tropical helmets. Of course I could be totally mistaken...

p.s. I'm refering to the type 2 pith helmet (late war version)

[Josh Beckett]

Oh, you meant tropical helmets, I thought you meant steel helmets.

[Jareth]

Those loops refered to on pith helmets are NOT for attaching havelocks! They're intended to be used to hold pith on top of steel helmet. The loops go over edge & secure pith helmet onto steel helmet.

[Rule303]

Jareth,
Thanks for setting the record straight, it was not my intention to spread misinformation. As you can see I've got some reading to do. That being said, I'm puzzled as to the utility of wearing a pith helmet over steel helmet. Camouflage?

Regards,
Jared

[cbuehler]

I believe Jareth is correct in that no havelocks were worn on helmets.
One reason for wearing the pith helmet over the steel helmet was insulation against the heat of the sun on the bare metal! This was also accomplished by the padded helmet covers the Japanese used.
Japanese helmets do not have quite as much ventilation as the US m1 helmet, but even so, try putting any steel helmet out in the sun on a hot day and see how hot it gets!

CB

[Rule303]

Thanks CB

What you're saying with regards to heat insulation makes a lot of sense.

Jared