Dutch M39 K.N.I.L.
An M39 KNIL helmet that was given a second life during and after the Second World War with the Dutch Air Raid Protection Service (LBD).
Use by the LBD
Although the model was originally designed for the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL), a portion of the production never reached the Dutch East Indies due to the German invasion in May 1940. These remaining stocks were put into service by the LBD to protect civilians and infrastructure against air raids.
Key features of the LBD variant:
- Color: Unlike the army-green military version, helmets for the LBD were often repainted black.
- Liner: The original military liner was sometimes replaced with a simpler civilian model.
- Identification: Some examples bear specific stamps (such as '39P' for the PTT air raid service) or markings from the relevant department.
- Material: The helmets were produced by Verblifa (Vereenigde Blikfabrieken) and offered effective protection against flying debris and shrapnel during bombings.
Historical Context
The LBD continued to use these helmets throughout the occupation. After the liberation in 1945, they remained in use until the establishment of the Civil Defense Organization (BB) in 1952, with the black paint remaining a characteristic feature of this post-war period.

