So, TAKE FIVE!
J.T. asks,
"Big Red, you said the Army stopped camouflaging the helmet because they changed to using nets. I have seen a bunch of different nets on M-1 helmets. What net did the Army switch to?"
Good to hear back from you J.T, and thanks for asking.
Well,
The use of camouflage in World War II, as it related to the M-1 helmet, was applied for two reasons,
- To disguise the helmets distinctive outline.
- To prevent reflective glare.
The Quartermaster Corps (QMC) began testing the use of camouflage paint in 1942, which they believed worked great on breaking up the shape but did not do much for glare. By the spring of 1944 the QMC decided to pursue another direction for camouflaging the M-1 helmet, netting.
The American GI from Africa to Europe had improvised the use of locally acquired netting as a solution to the glare problem which, by March of 1944, was the same conclusion reached by the QMC. Upon cancellation of the camouflage paint contracts, testing and development of a net specifically designed for use with the M-1 helmet began.
Around September of 1944, the first of these nets were issued to American troops. The net was manufactured from cotton thread dyed Olive Drab shade No. 7 and was woven into a tight ¼ inch square pattern.
The net was cut into an octagonal shape 28 inches in diameter with a rectangular cut out on either side to allow the net to be installed around the helmet’s chin straps.
The net came with a “Neoprene” rubber band attached to it by means of three small green fabric strips of cloth. The net was issued with a card stock tag printed on both sides with illustrations and explanations for installation and potential use by the wearer.
The Army referred to these nets as “Net, Helmet, with Band”.
And J.T., if your friends want to know how you gained your intel, tell em
Big Red Says!
FIVE'S OVER - MOVE OUT!
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