Comprehensive Forum of Canadian Armed Forces History & Militaria
GCR817 wrote:One of my favourites. A Mk III with textured charcoal colour overpaint and decal to the Regina Rifles. The owner's number is painted inside and some research revealed the following:
L28213
A/Cpl Dzubinski, J.
B Company, Regina Rifles
embarked 2 Jun 44 for France
Disembarked 6 June 44 France
How is that for a D Day provincence?
Admin wrote:Excerpt from "Tin Lids, Canadian Combat Helmets" by Roger V. Lucy. Which states:
HELMET FLASHES
"Forbidden in Canada, these flashes were permitted by Canadian Military Headquarters in London which had overall control over Canadian forces overseas. These insignia were in the form of decals or small painted designs, and remained optional although mostly considered an asset to unit pride.
Helmet flashes were positioned on the left side of the helmet,even if this was not always strictly obeyed."
I also have a book from a now deceased veteran and friend, who also recalls a story about painting helmet flashes on a friends helmet who later was killed in action. He found the helmet in a pile of equipment returned from the battlfield, half buried in the mud. I remember him telling me that it was nearly impossible to find a decal of your parent unit anywhere in QM stores so most soldiers either painted the insignia themselves or had an artistic fellow in their unit do it for them. He said he usually got smokes for his time and effort.
Dale
Battalion Colours wrote:Admin wrote:Excerpt from "Tin Lids, Canadian Combat Helmets" by Roger V. Lucy. Which states:
HELMET FLASHES
"Forbidden in Canada, these flashes were permitted by Canadian Military Headquarters in London which had overall control over Canadian forces overseas. These insignia were in the form of decals or small painted designs, and remained optional although mostly considered an asset to unit pride.
Helmet flashes were positioned on the left side of the helmet,even if this was not always strictly obeyed."
I also have a book from a now deceased veteran and friend, who also recalls a story about painting helmet flashes on a friends helmet who later was killed in action. He found the helmet in a pile of equipment returned from the battlfield, half buried in the mud. I remember him telling me that it was nearly impossible to find a decal of your parent unit anywhere in QM stores so most soldiers either painted the insignia themselves or had an artistic fellow in their unit do it for them. He said he usually got smokes for his time and effort.
Dale
How many Canadian MK IIs and MK IIIs have you seen with painted regimental emblems? How many do you think were wartime originals?
I believe such exist, but most I've seen were most likely done postwar. Some were done in recent years by unscrupulous dealers.
Adam
Admin wrote:No, but a very similar one. Mine has a better decal on it.
By chance, did you know the seller?
Admin wrote:Here is my "painted" example of the Regina Rifles Mk.III. I discussed with Geoff through PM's that I have my doubts about it, but you never know. I have some certain opinions about Mr. Middleton and I hope he did not have a hand on this one. As far as I know the seller of the latest RRR Mk.III was not Mr. Middleton unless he goes under a new ebay handle now. I now know of four helmets like this one with painted RRR flash.
My pictures look really bright and do not do the helmet justice...I will try to get a pic in more natural light soon.
GCR817 wrote:One of my favourites. A Mk III with textured charcoal colour overpaint and decal to the Regina Rifles. The owner's number is painted inside and some research revealed the following:
L28213
A/Cpl Dzubinski, J.
B Company, Regina Rifles
embarked 2 Jun 44 for France
Disembarked 6 June 44 France
How is that for a D Day provincence?
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