Named Helmet research?

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Darrell Zinck

The name "Klepper" does not have many hits in my Canadian sources but there was a British borne (Lancashire) fellow (Julius) in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. If it is British, I cannot help you but it would still be researchable.

The surname Klepper was first found in Holland in 1275 and is spread across many other European countries: https://www.houseofnames.com/klepper-family-crest

[Darrell Zinck]

Hi Hanno

Thanks for that. I was wondering if perhaps it was Dutch Military Police or not. is Militair Politie a proper Dutch phrase? Marechaussee from Gooble.

Perhaps I assumed too much from Derk's (NOT Mark! ) post. On a generally Cdn Forum and a British made helmet... I gave what I had.

regards
Darrell

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Hi all,

Indeed MP also stands for “Militaire Politie” (military police) in Dutch, a.k.a. Marechaussee.

I have read something about these somewhere, will see if I can dig it up. Have seen a steel version as well.

Here’s a thread with some more info: https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/helme...police-403506/

[rob love]

Pretty sure that helmet came from my (and Derk's) favorite scrapyard. It would have come out of Cdn service, either in the late 50s or 60s.

[derk derin]

Sorry, was next door eating a free supper!
It was in fact out of our favourite scrapyard and most likely been in Canadian service but possibly was first issued in Europe during the war and found its way back to Canada and used in service here until disposed of?
No rank or service number, just a name.
Is there a way of researching a name if there is a rank, serial number or sometimes a unit marked on equipment?
Thanks, Derk

[derk derin]

Here’s another example, a modified dispatch rider helmet converted to an airborne helmet postwar.
There are a couple of names in it. Looks like Cpl Belliveau JA which Belliveau has been crossed off and another name added; Cleroux. No service number but a rank. Now it could be the name written in when it was used as a dispatch rider helmet and not necessarily when it was used as an airborne helmet. Having the ability to research a name to find out what unit he was with may tell some of the story of the helmet.

[derk derin]

I found a wartime photo online of the same style of helmet being used by a RCCS dispatch rider. I see he is also wearing the signals White over Blue armband. Another one of my purchases this year that’s sitting in my collection.