pilots and hard helmuts

I've seen pictures showing some observers and pilots wearing hard helmuts. Was this standard practice for some squadrons and did fighter pilots ever wear them. Anyone have any close-up pictures of the different types of helmuts used.

Jim

[cameldriver]

The French used a hard helmet manufactured by Roold and some other companies. It was used in training and thereafter by some airmen on active service. It had a leather or leatherette reinforced outer shell. It had a stuffing of a strawlike material, and a soft lining. I have three of these types of helmets in my collection. Germans used a similar helmet. I have seen photos of two seat crews wearing these helmets but do not recall seeing them worn by single seater pilots, especially in the later years of the war. They may have been too heavy and cumbersome for the pilot who had to constantly swivel his head to look for enemy planes. This would not have been as much of a problem for the two-seaters.

Thanks Cameldriver,

Did British observers ever wear helmets?

[cameldriver]

I don't recall seeing any photos or reading anything about these safety type helmets being worn by British pilots or obsevers.

[Rod_Filan]

Cameldriver,

You being a collector and all...
Right now there is a postcard on ebay showing a very unusual French helmet designed by aviatrix Guadeloupe de Moya. In the French style but with a brace that appears to connect with a harness. It was intended to prevent neck injury. Seems to me it would be far too restricting in that the wearer wouldnt be able to turn his head. Do you know if it was ever used (or experimented with) by the military? Search ebay for Guadeloupe de Moya and you'll probably find it. Or I could email you the picture.

Also, I wonder if the British didnt think helmets were "sissy" in the same way they rejected the parachute ?

VBR
Rod

[jager1]

Hi all

British crews did wear crash helmets if they wished, I don't know if they were standard issue and worn if the pilot/observer preferred them to the soft leather helmet, or were private purchase items like many items of flying clothing.

Although they do not seem to be that common, I have seen both photos of them being worn and examples of the actual helmets- they are very similar to the French and early German ones.

Cheers
Jager1

[cameldriver]

Rod==Thanks for the heads-up. I did see the listing but decided to pass. I have never seen that particular type of helmet before, and have to assume it was not a successful inovation.