1942 G.S.W Flashed to the Black Watch

[Mark K]

 I was very fortunate to have this Mk II offered to me by a friend and and fellow collector here in Canada and after a little minor negotiating over the price added it to my shelf.
Good war time flashed examples are getting increasingly hard to find do to the small war time production numbers on Canadian Mk II helmets and the fact they were used by the Canadian Army for just abut 2 1/2 decades after the end of the second world war with a good many of them being repainted in the early 50's either a semi gloss and or gloss OD green as per regulations as the Canadian Military under went restructuring in 1952/1953 so any flashed examples left in Depots and or military stores that were put back into active service post war would have had there flashes obliterated .
Consequently I was very happy to be able to add this 1942 G.S.W. Mk II to my collection it is sporting a very nice early hand painted flash to the Black Watch with this style of flash being a carry over from the type of flash used during the first world war. 
It was re adopted early on in either late 1939 or early 1940 with known examples being found applied to British produced Mk II helmets alike that were used by the Canadian Black Watch that served with the BEF and took part in the Dieppe raid in August of 1942 
some veterans have confirmed that the flash had to have a regulation size & position.
For the most part it has been speculated that flashes as seen applied to Canadian Used Mk II helmets that were used on the Dieppe Raid are 4cm x 2.5cm (with some milometers difference but no more) and positioned at both side, 2cm to 3cm upper the chinstrap lug rivet.

The flash on this particular Mk II i do believe strongly more so resembles the WW I large size and single flash style but has been applied to the side of the helmet body as apposed to the front as seen on WW I flashed examples.... 
It very well could be an exception for the early WW II configuration of the 2nd Canadian infantry division .

Regards Mark

[DAK D]

Hi @Mark K,

You are very lucky to get this MK II Tommy Helmet that's unit marked for the Black watch. It has seen some use, but overall it's in super condition. 

Thank you for sharing

D

Edited April 16, 2016 by DAK D

[Mark K]

Thanx @DAK D I was indeed fortunate to add this example to my collection and it is just how I like them worn and used ...

Regards Mark