British MkII Helmet " J.S.S: 1940 John Sankey & Sons"

The British MkII helmet (Brodie) was used by the Dutch Air Defence Service (LBD) at two different times and in two different ways: during the war years and as post-war surplus.

Use during the War

• Because the LBD was established as early as 1939, there was a shortage of domestically produced helmets. The organization therefore used a mix of models:
• Modification of army helmets: Old Dutch army helmets (such as the M16 or M34) were often repainted black for civilian use.
• British MkII examples: Although less common than after the war, British MkII models occasionally appeared in specific services, such as the medical service or the communications service.

Post-war Reuse (Civil Defence)

• Most British MkII helmets seen in the Netherlands with "civilian" features date from the period immediately after 1945.
• Surpluses: The Dutch government acquired enormous quantities of British surplus. These were used by the Army until the mid-1950s and subsequently transferred to the Civil Defence (BB) and the LBD.
• Identification: These wartime helmets often feature a Dutch liner and a late-war chin strap.

How do you recognize an LBD version.

• Color: Usually black or very dark gray/blue.
• Logo: Sometimes features a painted red cross (medical) or city logo.
• Liner: During the post-war overhaul, the British liner was often replaced with a typical Dutch leather variant.