Question about WW2 Fibre DR Lids

[Roger Lucy]

Dean,
The Canadian Army Overseas bought a lot of "pulp" ie fibre DR helmets of various types in the UK between 1940 and 1942, but they were supposed to be replaced by the steel variety after 3 June 1943. This took a while to implement as steel DR helmets were initially in short supply and were not very popular with Canadian troops, who found them heavy, uncomfortable and possibly dangerous. In January 1944 Canadian troops were allowed to use their pulp helmets until they were worn out, at which time they were to be replaced by the steel variety. So yes their use in Europe cannot be ruled out.

There were also some types of fibre DR helmets that never made it overseas, these include a low-crowned version made by Spalding in 1942 and a taller version made by Backstay Standard (stamped BS on the sweat band) in 1944 and 1945.

You can see pictures of the various types either in my book "Tin Lids" or Clive Law's "The Canadian Military Motorcycle", both available from Service Publications
Roger Lucy