WW2 BRITISH DUKE OF WELLINGTONS REGIMENT TROPICAL SUN HELMET NORTH AFRIKA
HISTORY OF THE REGIMENT DURING WW2
2nd Battalion-In the Far east, the 2nd Battalion took part in the rearguard action at the Battle of Sitang Bridge in February 1942. They were trained as Chindits, to operate behind Japanese lines, who were at that time attacking India, they were formed into two columns, the 33rd and 76th, to operate behind the Japanese lines during the fierce battles for Imphal and Kohima.
58th (Duke of Wellington's) Anti-Tank Regiment -The regiment served in North Africa, Italy, Greece and Austria during the war.
43rd AA (5th Duke of Wellington's) Battalion - 43rd AA Battalion served in 31st Anti Aircraft Brigade, protecting West Yorkshire during the Blitz. In 1940 the RE AA battalions were transferred to the Royal Artillery, and it became the 43rd (5th Duke of Wellington's) Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery.
1/6th and 1/7th battalions-The 1/6th and 1/7th battalions of the regiment were both assigned to the 147th Infantry Brigade and were sent to Iceland after it was invaded in 1940, and remained there until May 1942 when it was transferred back to the United Kingdom. They both landed in Normandy on 12 June 1944 after the 06 une D-Day landings. They fought in the Battle of Normandy (Caen). In particular, the 6th Battalion was severely mauled during operation Martlet and, due to the heavy casualties sustained, was returned to the United Kingdom and disbanded, most of its men being sent to the 7th Battalion. The 7th Battalion continued to fight in the Normandy Campaign in the Second battle of Odon, and clearing the channel ports.
2/6th and 2/7th battalions-Throughout the spring and summer of 1939, the Territorial Army was ordered to expand in size and were sent overseas to France in April 1940 to join the BEF. Both battalions were battered during Germany's blitkreig during the Battleof France and were forced to retreat to Dunkirk and be evacuated. In July 1942 these battalions were transferred to the Royal Armoured Corps and converted to armour as 114 and 115 RAC and They continued to wear their Duke's badge on the black beret of the Royal Armoured Corps.
8th Battalion
The regiment's 8th Battalion was raised in July 1940 and in 1941 it was also converted to a tank unit becoming 145 Regt RAC(DWR). It joined 1st Army in Algeria, North Africa then on the push through Casablanca and Oran to Tunisia, It was one of the units in support of the Dukes 1st Battalion and the Noryh Lancashire regiment at the Battle of Banana Ridge, overlooking the Medjez el Bab Plain , as the front part of a five-mile-wide divisional offensive to advance on Tunis. The battle on the ridge resulted in the 1st Dukes and the QLR's being the only units to be award the battle honour Banana Ridge. A following battle resulted in the award of the battle honour Djebel Bou Aoukaz on the 1st Dukes, the 1st Kings Shropshire Light Infantry and 145th Regiment RAC (8DWR).
9th Battalion-The 9th Battalion was also converted to armour, becoming 146 Regiment RAC (DWR)
ITEM DESCRIPTION
An exceptionally nice sun helmet from World War Two and issued to the Duke Of Wellingtons Regiment, being a tropical sun helmet it would have been worn in North Africa by the 8th Battalion which was a Tank Regiment or possibly by the 2nd Battalion in the Far East.
The helmet is in very good condition with no breaks to the structure or leather rim reinforcing. The Red trimmed pugaree has the DW to the left side with a Red background. The chin strap is still present. The interior liner is also in very good condition with the makers mark of Hawkes and Co stamping. There are a couple of small moth nips as shown in the images that do not detract.
Whilst sun helmets are not rare, one that is from WW2 and is attributable to the Duke of wellingtons Regiment is. This is an attractive looking helmet and makes for an excellent display piece.