Author Archives: Peter Suciu

The East German-Vietnamese-Cuban Helmet Connection

A light fiber helmet of the so-called East German pattern with the badge of the Cuban Navy

German sun helmets are well-established. Imperial Germany had colonies in Africa, and during the Third Reich fielded the infamous Afrika Korps. However, a lesser known sun helmet is one purported to be of East German origin.

A few sources, including Paolo Marzetti’s Elmetti (“Helmets”) note the existence of a “DDR sun helmet, made in fibre material” the use of these helmets would seem to be limited. The Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR), or East Germany had no colonies of course. East German soldiers of the NVA (Nationale Volksarmee or National People’s Army) did serve as advisors to various African countries during the Cold War and it is possible the helmets may have been developed for this purpose. Continue reading →

Haile Selassie I and the Wolseley Helmet

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Ethiopia, or Abyssina as it was unknown until modern times, was unique in Africa in that it was the oldest Christian nation on the continent but also in the fact that until 1936 had been – along with Liberia – the only nation to retain its independence. The Ethiopian military, which looked to modernize following internal struggles that began during the First World War and continued into the 1920s.

With the aid of Swiss, Belgian and Swedish volunteers the army modernized and this included adopting European style uniforms and headgear, notably Wolseley helmets – likely original British surplus and later British supplied versions. What is notable about the use of these helmets is that it actually continued until Emperor Haile Selassie was deposed in 1974. Continue reading →

Art of the Helmet

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The American pressed fiber sun helmet that was introduced just prior to World War II, and remained in service well into the 1990s by some USN units has the distinction of being the longest continually used helmet in the American military history. The helmets aren’t typically hard to find either, and often lack little in character.

However as these examples can attest some owners knew how to give their helmets some personal style. Continue reading →

Wolseley in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, presidential guards on horseback trot past parliament at its official opening by President Robert Mugabe.

In Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, presidential guards on horseback trot past parliament at its official opening by President Robert Mugabe.

While the legacy of Cecil Rhodes has been mostly washed away in the nation of Zimbabwe, formerly the unrecognized state of Rhodesia, one element of the colonial past remains – the use of the Wolseley helmet. This particular pattern of helmet had been used by South African and Rhodesian colonial forces during the First World War. Continue reading →

Sun Helmets of Thailand

A Thai sun helmet based on the French M31 pattern

A Thai sun helmet based on the French M31 pattern

Sun helmets were used by nearly all the colonial powers in East Asia an, but three local nations also utilized a wide range of sun/pith helmets. These include of course Japan, which during the Second War World used a variety of patterns of helmets; and Vietnam, which adopted a variation of French Model 1931 that was produced locally and made this pattern its own.

The other power that wore sun helmets is actually the nation that used sun helmets the longest in the region, and which ironically is overlooked when considered in the grand history of this form of headdress. This of course is Thailand, formerly known as Siam. Continue reading →

The Modern Wolseley Helmet of the Royal Canadian Regiment

While the Wolseley helmet was declared obsolete in 1951 in a List of Changes, several British and Commonwealth units continue to wear the helmet a part of the full dress uniform. This includes of course the Royal Marines, which wear the helmet as part of their number 1 or dress uniform. Additionally, Australian Army Bands, including the Royal Military College Duntroon, still wear the Wolseley helmet. Continue reading →

Japanese “Officers” Sun Helmet

A unique variation of Japanese sun helmets used during World War II is one often referred to as “the officer’s pattern.” Why this particular helmet is considered to be an officer’s version is not known, but it is likely that it is because the character of Colonel Saito, the prison camp commandant in the film The Bridge on the River Kwai wore such a helmet. Continue reading →