1st Bucks The Battalion used throughout the war the Mk1 and later the MK2 “Tommy” helmets.
REGIMENTAL ORDERS PART ONE 1940
6. STEEL HELMETS.
The battalion colours will be painted on all steel helmets. Companies will purchase the nessacary paint and send receipted bills to P.R.I. for repayment.
The colours will be worn on the side of the helmet and consist of a band of Black 1 ½” long by 1/2 “ deep surmounting a band of Scarlet of the same dimensions. The lower edge of the colour band will be 3/4 “above the brim of the helmet.
When the battalion converted to a Beach Group battalion the steel helmet had a white band painted around it.
NUMBER 6 BEACH GROUP ORDERS 20 April 1944
266. STEEL HELMETS-CAMOUFLAGE. Camouflage nets will be worn on steel helmets at all times after White band has been painted on helmet.
Three members of 1st Bucks on Sword Beach.
The White helmet band under the cammo net can be seen along with the Beach Group sign and Regimental Flash on the battledress blouse.
2nd Bucks The Battalion used throughout the war the Mk1 and later the MK2 “Tommy” helmets. On the left side of the helmet was worn the Oxf & Bucks regimental flash of Blue/Red/Buff/Blue with a diagnol line through it as can be seen on the photograph above under 61st Division.
On the right side of the helmet was worn what appears to be a different flash of colours that I have not as yet been able to confirm.
2nd Bucks Bn being inspected by Princess marina in 1942. Detail of the flash of so far unknown colours worn on the right side of the helmet. OBLI COLLECTION B33 I11 13-3-P-2A