“The helmet stands as both a shield and a symbol, embodying the soldier’s readiness to face danger and the military’s commitment to their protection.”

— General Sir John Hackett, British Army

The helmet is a powerful symbol of a soldier’s resilience, providing protection and identity. For the New Zealand Army, the adoption and evolution of helmets reflect a narrative of adaptability, innovation, and the commitment to safeguarding soldiers in varied operational environments. From the steel helmets of World War I to today’s advanced combat systems, this journey mirrors the shifting demands of warfare and continuous technological progress.

In the First World War, the grim realities of trench combat highlighted the urgent need for improved personal protection, leading to the widespread adoption of steel helmets. Initially equipped with traditional headgear, New Zealand troops transitioned to the British Mark I helmet upon deployment to the Western Front. Efforts to manufacture helmets locally demonstrated the country’s resourcefulness but faced challenges due to material shortages and reliance on British production capabilities.

As warfare evolved, so did helmet technology. During World War II, the Mark I helmet remained in use, bolstered by locally produced variants to address the demands of home defence and civil protection. In the post-war years, New Zealand retained its stockpile of helmets for conscription-based forces. Still, global advancements in military equipment eventually necessitated a shift to modern designs, such as adopting the American M1 helmet in the 1960s.

The late 20th century saw revolutionary advances in helmet materials, with composite designs redefining protection standards. From the introduction of the PASGT (Personnel Armour System for Ground Troops) helmet in the 1990s to the Rabintex ACH and the state-of-the-art Viper P4 helmet adopted in 2021, the New Zealand Army has continually prioritised the integration of enhanced protection, comfort, and functionality.

This account represents the first comprehensive exploration of the New Zealand Army’s helmet history, tracing their evolution from rudimentary steel shells to sophisticated modular systems. It examines the practical challenges, local ingenuity, and global influences that shaped their development, offering a foundational perspective on the broader evolution of the Army’s equipment and operational readiness. As an introduction to this subject, it sets the stage for future research, inviting deeper study into the innovative and adaptive journey of New Zealand’s military equipment.

WW1

During the First World War, spurred mainly by the demands of trench warfare, the concept of soldier personal protection underwent a revival, notably with the introduction of helmets. By 1915, it became evident that a significant number of casualties were suffering head wounds due to falling debris, shell splinters, and bullets while in the trenches. Recognising this danger, the French were the first to develop a metal head-guard, the Adrian helmet, named after the general who championed its adoption. Legend has it that the inspiration for this design came from observing troops using their metal mess tins as makeshift head protection,[1]  Distribution of the Adrian helmet to French troops commenced in June 1915.[2]

Both the British and Germans began experimenting with similar steel helmets. The British version based on a design patented by John Leopold Brodie resembled an old kettle hat utilised by Pikemen, with a domed skull and a slightly sloping brim. Internal felt pads initially absorbed shock, later replaced by more sophisticated liners for better fit and impact absorption. Following a trial of 500 in August 1915, the helmet was accepted into the British Army Service as the Steel Helmet, War Office Pattern, Type A (shell made from magnetic mild Steel). The Type A was soon replaced by the Type B (Shell made from Hadfield (manganese) steel).  The British began their distribution of the Brodie Helmet in September 1915, starting with an allocation of 50 per battalion.[3]  In Spring 1916 (March-June), the British improved the Brodie Helmet by adding a mild steel rim to the shell and redesigning the liner; this modification was codified as the Helmet Steel, Mark 1. However, all marks of the British hele are often called the Brodie Helmet. The German helmet of World War 1, the Stahlhelm helmet, offered more comprehensive defence, particularly to the back of the head and neck, compared to its French and British counterparts and was approved for general issue in January 1916.

These developments did not go unnoticed in New Zealand, with newspaper reports extolling the benefits of the French helmets, detailing how by September 1915, Three Hundred Thousand had been issued to French troops at a rate of 25000 a day.[4] Such reports caught the eye of the Engineer-in -charge of the Waihi Grand Junction mine, with experience in producing miners’ helmets, he reached out through his father-in-law, A Rogerson Esq, representing the warehousing firm of Macky, Logan, Caldwell, to the Minister for Munitions, proposing that “helmets could easily be manufactured in Waihi, and no doubt elsewhere in New Zealand.” and that if the Minster should consider “it advisable to equip our contingents with them, there will be no difficulty in the supply.”[5]

Arthur Myers, the Minister for Munitions, acknowledged receipt of Rogerson’s proposal on  29 September, replying that “I might mention that the Question of the possibility of manufacturing in this country all classes of munitions is At present receiving my very careful consideration, and you may rest assured that every effort is being made to enable a definite decision to be arrived at in this connection as soon as possible”.[6] At this early stage of the war, the New Zealand industry was stepping up to support the war effort, providing all manner of war material from clothing to mobile Filed Kitchens, so it is highly probable that that was just one of many proposals that simply fell through the bureaucratic gaps. However, Mr. Hogg, an employee of the Petone Railway Workshops and an advocate for manufacturing steel helmets in New Zealand, made better progress, expressing confidence that he could produce a low-cost helmet for New Zealand troops overseas, provided the materials were available. His proposal received a positive response and was granted permission to create samples for military evaluation.[7] During February and March 1916, the trial helmets underwent testing at Trentham camp, with the New Zealand Herald providing the following summary:

The Tenth Artillery engaged in practice with live shrapnel at Trentham on Thursday afternoon. the number of shots fired being eight. Some steel helmets made at the Petone railway workshops were tested. Two guns were used, and they were placed on the parade ground with their muzzles pointing towards the eastern hills. Officers and men of the 11th, 12^th and 13th artillery reinforcements were at the observation point, a hillcrest about 600 yds to the left of the target upon which the guns were trained. Stuffed canvas dummies wearing steel helmets were every one of them riddled with shrapnel bullets. Strangely enough only one of the steel helmets was struck. A bullet or other projectile had struck the side of the helmet a glancing blow and pierced it in such a way that about three quarters of an inch of ragged steel was driven inwards. It would have resulted m the death of the wearer. – The helmet was perfectly smooth, without ridges or any projection at all, such as appear in photographs of similar French helmets. Experts in the camp consider a slight ridging would have deflected the missile sufficiently to avoid inflicting a fatal wound. The results of this test and the test* made at Trentham recently with similar helmets show that a harder steel or a different shape will have to be devised before they can be served out for use by the troops.[8]  ,

More evidence is needed to indicate whether trials of New Zealand-manufactured helmets have continued beyond these initial efforts. The scarcity of suitable materials likely made it impractical, and the increasing production of helmets in the United Kingdom had reached a point where the requirements of the NZEF could be adequately met. Therefore, New Zealand’s industrial efforts could be better prioritised in other areas.

The introduction of steel helmets came too late to impact the Gallipoli campaign, where their use could have significantly reduced casualties. Upon the New Zealand Division’s arrival on the Western Front from Egypt, they were issued new equipment developed by the British Army for trench warfare, including the Mark 1 Helmet. Initially, helmets were generally worn only at the front or during training. The distinctive Lemon Squeezer hat with coloured puggarees remained the official headdress worn in the trenches.[9]

Accessories provided with the Mark 1 helmet included canvas and hessian covers, and in 1917, the Cruise visored helmet. Named after their inventor, Captain Richard R Cruise of the Royal Army Medical Corps, concerned by the number of soldiers being blinded by shrapnel and shell splinters, developed a chain mail veil or curtain for attachment to the Mark 1 helmet. On 18 April 1917, the New Zealand Division DADOS staff received 1200 Cruise visored helmets. These were not considered much improvement, and most units did not uplift their quota.[10]

The armistice of 11 November 1918 brought a sudden end to the fighting on the Western Front. As the NZEF was demobilised, all its equipment, including helmets, was disposed of by handing back to British Ordnance depots and disposing of the items unable to be returned by sale or destruction. However, late in 1918, a request was placed to James Allen, the New Zealand Minister of Defence, whether the NZEF men could retain their helmets and respirators as souvenirs. This request was approved, allowing the retention of steel helmets for those who wished, which was a good decision in hindsight. It enabled many examples of WW1 helmets used by New Zealanders to remain available for museums and collectors today.[11]

Although the NZEF disposed of its wartime equipment, much of it tired and worn, the New Zealand Ordnance Staff in London was busy indenting, receipting, and dispatching back to New Zealand a large amount of new and modern equipment, including web equipment and helmets, to form and sustain an Expeditionary Force of at least one Infantry Division, a mounted Rifle Brigade, an Artillery Regiment, and a Line of Communications troops.[12] This equipment would serve two roles: first, to provide stocks to equip the peacetime Territorial Force, and second, in the event of another war, to equip the next expeditionary force.

Interwar Period

During the interwar period, New Zealand faced financial constraints, leading to a slowdown in military activities. Most of the new equipment received from the United Kingdom after World War I was stored as mobilisation stock. Small quantities were used by the Territorial Force and for equipping small detachments sent to the South Pacific at various times in the 1920s and 30s.

In 1936, the British Army began upgrading the Mark I helmet to the Helmet, Steel, Mark I* variant, which included an improved liner and an elasticated, sprung webbing chin strap. By 1938, the Mark I* was being replaced by the Mark II, featuring the same liner and chinstrap but with a new non-magnetic rim shell to accommodate magnetic compass use.

There is little evidence to suggest that New Zealand made efforts to update its stock of Mark I helmets to the Mark I* or Mark II models. Consequently, when war erupted in 1939, New Zealand remained initially equipped with the Mark I Steel Helmet.

WW2

Before Japan entered the war on December 7, 1941, the Army’s activities in New Zealand were principally directed at providing reinforcements for the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) and maintaining the efficiency of Home Defence Forces at as high a level as possible in readiness for any deterioration in the international situation.

2NZEF

2NZEF in the Middle East was equipped and maintained entirely from British Army sources, except for uniforms and boots, which were periodically supplied from New Zealand.[13]

2NZEF arrived in Egypt with the same uniforms and web equipment as the NZEF of 1918. As stocks became available, the NZ Base Ordnance Depot (NZ BOD) began to issue the new 1937 pattern ‘Battledress’, ‘37 pattern webbing’, and Helmets to all New Zealand Troops. A bulk of 2NZDF’s requirements were met when 7000 helmets were received from the RAOC Depot at Kasr-el-Nil on 21 August 1940, with the immediate distribution of 5000 to 2NZEF units.[14]  As each additional draft arrived in the Middle East, they were issued with theatre-specific clothing and equipment, including helmets.

Home Defence

With Japan’s entry into World War II, the Pacific became an active theatre of conflict, requiring the New Zealand Army to prepare for immediate enemy action. Anticipating hostilities with Japan, New Zealand had already bolstered its Pacific presence. Since 1939, a platoon-sized contingent was stationed on Fanning Island, and by 1940, a Brigade Group was garrisoned in Fiji. Orders for new equipment had been placed well in advance. As hostilities escalated, New Zealand’s claims for supplies were prioritised, resulting in a significant increase in the required equipment volume and delivery schedules.

A critical shortage of steel helmets arose when the United Kingdom could not fulfil New Zealand’s order for 30,000 helmets. This prompted a domestic solution. General Motors New Zealand and the New Zealand Railway Workshops began producing Mark II helmets locally, using materials and equipment sourced from Australia. Pressing machinery was acquired from John Heine & Son Ltd in Sydney, while Lysaght’s Australia supplied sheet steel.

The helmet bodies, made from manganese steel and weighing approximately 1,120 grams, were produced in a single size. To ensure a proper fit, liners in seven sizes were sourced from the Australian branch of Dunlop, which also supplied chinstraps. Notably, the chinstrap lugs were uniquely manufactured in New Zealand, marked with “NPZ” (New Zealand Pressing), the year of manufacture, and the acceptance stamp of the New Zealand Physical Laboratories (NZPL).

Assembly took place at the General Motors plant in Petone. The helmets were identified by the Commonwealth Steel “CS” logo on the brim and the distinctive “NPZ” chinstrap lugs. Due to limited production, New Zealand-made helmets from 1941 are rare.

Simultaneously, New Zealand mobilised its entire Territorial Force, reassessing its defence strategy to bolster Coast Defence, secure critical infrastructure, reinforce Pacific garrisons, and expand its military units. This included raising new formations and providing reinforcements for overseas service while allocating administrative and instructional staff to sustain operations.

By January 1942, New Zealand’s helmet stock stood at 69,500, with three requisitions for additional helmets underway:

• Requisition 32/41: 6,500 helmets from the United Kingdom, expected for shipment within a month of 30 January 1942.
• Requisition 39/41: 40,000 helmets from Australia, with delivery starting three months from 16 December 1941. Helmet bodies and liners were to be assembled in New Zealand.
• Requisition 150/41: 65,700 helmets from the United Kingdom, of which 33,000 were already in transit by 30 January 1942, with the remainder expected for shipment within a month.

Despite these measures, broader defence requirements—including those of the Navy, Air Force, Home Guard, and Emergency Precautions Scheme (EPS)—required 181,500 helmets, reflecting the scale of New Zealand’s wartime mobilisation efforts.[15]

Equipping the Emergency Precautions Scheme

As Japan advanced across Asia and the Pacific, the possibility of air raids on New Zealand cities became a pressing concern. The EPS needed an estimated 100,000 helmets. With military stocks insufficient, the New Zealand Ministry of Supply authorised helmet production for the EPS in February 1942.

Inspired by British Air Raid Precautions (ARP) helmets, New Zealand industries rose to meet the demand. Auckland engineer H.J. Butcher sourced steel plate locally to produce several thousand helmets. Collaborating with a luggage manufacturer for linings, production began swiftly. Wellington followed suit, with three local firms producing approximately 2,000 weekly helmets. Factories repurposed from making radios, slippers, and washing machines contributed to the effort. Some unfinished helmet shells were sent to Christchurch for painting, fitting, and final assembly. This collaborative effort showcased the ingenuity and resourcefulness of New Zealand’s industries.[16]

EPS helmets resembled military helmets but were made from lighter steel and featured simpler linings, reflecting their civil defence role.

Distribution and Post-War Transition

By March 1944, with pre-Mark I helmets utilised and 54,000 Mark II helmets manufactured in New Zealand, along with orders from Australia and the United Kingdom, 265,295 steel helmets had been distributed to New Zealand’s Home Defence Forces as follows:

• September 1939 to November 1940 – 17,300
• 1941- 8,127 
• 1942 – 150,158
• 1943 – 87,123
• By 31 March 1944 – 2,587

As the tactical situation shifted in 1944, most units raised for home defence began demobilising, returning equipment introduced during the rapid wartime expansion. This left New Zealand’s ordnance depots well-stocked to support the army in the immediate post-war years.

Post-war

The post-war New Zealand Army was initially structured around conscription to form a division intended for deployment in the Middle East. To this end, World War II-era equipment was deemed adequate, and training throughout the 1950s and early 1960s relied heavily on these wartime reserves.

However, the outbreak of the Korean War and the Malayan Emergency prompted New Zealand to shift its strategic focus from the Middle East to operations in Southeast Asia. This reorientation highlighted the need to reassess equipment suitability for the region’s unique climate and terrain. In 1958, the New Zealand Army initiated a series of programmes to research and develop clothing and equipment better suited to Southeast Asia’s challenging conditions. Among the identified priorities was the need for a modernised helmet.

The M1 Helmet

On 7 April 1959, New Zealand Army Headquarters submitted a request to the New Zealand Joint Services Mission (NZJSM) in Washington, DC, for a sample of the latest US steel helmet. NZJSM responded on 4 May 1959, confirming that a single helmet had been dispatched. They also provided cost and availability details for larger quantities, ranging from 1 to 10,000 units:

Federal Stock Number	Nomenclature	Unit Cost
8415-255-5879	Helmet	$2.50
8415-240-2512	Liner	$2.50
5415-153-6670	Neck Band	$0.06
8415-153-6671	Head Band	$0.35

The helmets would be available approximately 90 days after purchase arrangements were completed.[17]

Impressed by the simplicity, utility and improved protection offered by the M1 helmet—a versatile, one-size-fits-all design—the New Zealand Army ordered 100 M2 helmets in late 1959 for troop trials. At the time, the standard-issue helmets utilised by the New Zealand Army were the Steel Helmet No. 1 Mk 1 and the Steel Helmet No. 2 Mk 1, by this stage just referred to as the Mark 1 Helmet, a design that had largely remained unchanged for 45 years.

When the 100 trial helmets arrived in July 1960, 75 were allocated to 1 NZ Regiment at Burnham, and the remaining 25 were sent to the School of Infantry for acceptance trials. These trials were scheduled to conclude by 18 November 1960.

The evaluation focused on several key criteria, including comfort, stability, concealment, hindrance, and impact on hearing. In all respects, the trial helmets were found to be superior to the current Mark 1 Helmet.[18]

Supporting the acceptance trials was a comprehensive infantry equipment requirements review that identified the M1 helmet, complete with liner, as the preferred replacement for the Mark 1 Helmet. This report outlined the need for 3,048 helmets to equip the Regular Infantry, SAS, the School of Infantry, and All Arms Training Establishments.[19]

In June 1961, the Chief of General Staff submitted a report to the Army Board recommending the replacement of the current Steel Helmet with the American M1 Helmet. The report provided an overview of the helmet’s background and development in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

As New Zealand traditionally sourced its equipment from the United Kingdom, it was noted that although the British were developing an improved combat helmet to replace their current Mark 4 Helmet (then in use in Southeast Asia), it would be several years before this new design would be ready for production. The report emphasised that New Zealand could not afford to wait that long to replace its helmets, making the adoption of the American M1 Helmet the most practical and timely solution.[20]

Following the recommendations of the Army Board, the Minister of Defence submitted a proposal to Cabinet for approval to purchase 6000 helmets at a total cost of £26600 (2024 $1,446,665.68).  Subsequently approved by the Cabinet, the 1962 Annual Report of the New Zealand Army announced that the M1 helmet had been officially ordered.[21]

In 1961, the Army held approximately 90,000 Mark 1 Helmets, prioritising issuing M1 Helmets to regular Force Field Force Units. As additional M1 helmets were procured and supplied, distribution to the rest of the Army followed. To maintain a balance of helmets available to the army, 40,000 Mark 1 Helmets were to be for reserve purposes, with the remaining Mark 1 Helmets disposed of.[22]

The M1 helmet consisted of several components, including a steel shell, liner, neck, and headband, which were NZ Complete Equipment Schedule (CES) items. The M1 Helmet CES was CES492, 8415-NZ-101-0601, Helmet, Steel US Pattern authorised for use on 13 May 1963.[23] The M1 Helmet was considered a loan item to be managed by units with helmets either issued to individuals for the duration of their time in the unit or held as a pool item only issued for specific activities.  Allocation of helmets to units was based on the New Zealand Entitlement Table (NZET), which determines how many helmets a unit could hold based on role and strength. The NZET was further supported by New Zealand Block Scales (NZBS), which managed the specific management of helmets. The term “Block Scale” refers to the New Zealand Army’s standardised lists detailing the quantity and type of equipment and supplies allocated to units, from ammunition allocation to items required for barracks or messes. This system ensured uniformity and efficiency in resource distribution across the Army. The items and quantities included in a NZBS were tailored to a unit’s function and size. Helmets were contained within various NZBS, for example.

• NZBS 01/34 Helmets, Steel, Field Force.
• NZBS 30/18 Scale of Issue – Clothing and Necessaries – All Ranks posted for duty in South Vietnam.
• NZBS 01/19 Personnel Equipment I United Nations Military Observers.

By 31 May 1967, in addition to the original 100 trial helmets, the following had been purchased.

• Helmet Shell with Chin Strap                  14980
• Liners                                                    17480
• Headbands                                            19312
• Neckbands                                            18102
• Helmet Chinstrap                                   300[24]

With the continued introduction of M1 Helmets, the total amount of Mark 1 Helmet held in reserve was to be reduced to 24,500, all to be held at the Main Ordnance Depot at Trentham. However, it was soon realised that there was no requirement to retain that much stock of Mark 1 helmets existed, and 20,000 were authorised for disposal.[25]  

Total requestions for M1 Helmets between 1959 and 1969 were:

• Requisition No 146/59        –         100
• Requisition No 10/62          –         9780
• Requisition No 109/64        –         1200
• Requisition No 258/67        –         150
• Requisition No 276/66        –         4000
• Requisition No 270/66        –         150[26]

By 1972, the Mark 1 had ceased to be a current item of equipment in the New Zealand Army, and units were authorised to dispose of any remaining Mark 1 components through the Board of Survey process.[27]

M1 Helmet Covers

Camouflage covers explicitly designed for use with the M1 helmet were not part of the initial New Zealand M1 helmet purchase. The topic covered was not raised until 1967, when 31,792 Mark 1 Helmet covers were declared surplus.[28] Since the introduction of the M1 helmet, a simple modification made it possible to use the Mark 1 Hessian Camouflage cover with the M1 Helmet. As this was a simple and cost-effective solution, the Mark 1 Covers declared surplus were be retained and, once dyed a suitable green colour, made available through NZBS 01/34 to units with an entitlement for the M1 helmet.[29]

Although New Zealand troops serving in South Vietnam sometimes utilised M1 helmets with American camouflage helmet covers, this was primarily because the helmets were drawn from American or Australian stocks in the theatre. It wasn’t until 1976 that New Zealand officially purchased and adopted camouflage covers designed for the M1 helmet.

The first covers specifically designed for the M1 helmet were 5000; Mitchell pattern camouflage covers purchased in 1976.[30]  The Mitchell pattern cover was a distinctive, reversible design primarily used by the United States during the mid-20th century, notably in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. It featured two camouflage patterns on opposite sides, intended to suit different seasonal or environmental conditions, a Green Leaf ‘Summer’ Side and a Brown Cloud ‘Winter’ Side.

Although units were entitled to demand the newly issued covers, existing Mark 1 helmet cover stocks were expected to be utilised first and only replaced once completely worn out. However, this was a policy that was loosely applied.

In the early 1980s, New Zealand supplemented the Mitchell pattern helmet covers with ERDL (Engineer Research and Development Laboratory) pattern covers, formally accepted into US service in 1971.

With New Zealand adopting the British Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM)pattern as its standard camouflage pattern for uniforms in 1975, it would take until the mid-1980s when a full suite of DPM uniforms began to be introduced.[31]  However, with multiple uniforms in NZDPM being progressively rolled out, it would not be until the early 1990s that a NZDPM cover for the M1 Helmet would be introduced. However, with large socks of Mitchell and ERDL covers remaining and the use of helmets limited to range activities and some exercises, uniformity of helmet covers was a low priority. Right up to the withdrawal of the M1 Helemt helmets, all three types of covers remained in use.

Transition to a new Helmet

In 1984 an Army stock take of Personal Support Items (PSI), which included helmets, revealed that the stock of helmets across army consisted of

• 1 Base Supply Battalion – 1 with orders for 916 to be satisfied once new stock received.
• 1 Task Force Region – 916.
• 3 Task Force Region – 2396.
• There is no balance against the Army Training Group (ATG) and Force Maintenance Group (FMG).[32] These formations likely held the stock, just not included in returns.

With no significant purchases of PSI, including helmets, since the early 1970s, finance was made available to purchase additional items to replenish stock with vendors in South Korea able to satisfy demands at reasonable rates.

Concurrent with this purchase, the Infantry Directorate was conducting Project Foxhound to investigate many issues related to personnel equipment. At a meeting of the Army Clothing Committee in June 1984, the project chairman advised that several overseas helmets, including a newly modified UK helmet, were awaiting trial. It was agreed that no urgency was necessary as the present stocks of helmets were sufficient. It was agreed, however, that trials should continue to confirm NZ’s preferred specifications.[33]

By 1988, the United States and the United Kingdom had adopted new combat helmets made from advanced materials. These helmets provided improved ballistic protection and were lighter and more comfortable for soldiers.  With Australia also investigating the introduction of modern helmets, the New Zealand Army initiated a Project to replace Combat helmets on 25 Feb 1988.[34] It is believed that during helmet trials conducted in the 1980s, Pacific Helmets of Whanganui submitted designs for a composite combat helmet for evaluation. However, further research is required to confirm this.

New Zealand introduced the Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) combat helmet, which had been in use by the United States military since the early 1980s, in 1990. The PASGT did not initially replace the M1 helmet in New Zealand service. The M1 helmet was retained as a whole-of-service issue and continued to be used as a training helmet, ensuring its availability for non-combat purposes until finally withdrawn from service in 2010.

Airborne Helmets

New Zealand’s initial airborne-capable component was the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS), which maintained parachuting as a core capability. The NZSAS conducted their first parachute training during their deployment to Malaya in 1956. Upon their return to New Zealand, ongoing parachute training was provided by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

As a new capability for the New Zealand Army, the NZSAS was initially equipped with the British Helmet, Steel, Airborne Troops Mk II. Developed during World War II, this helmet was available in 19 sizes, of which New Zealand held eight:

• 8415-99-120-2905 – 6 3/8
• 8415-99-120-2908 – 6 3/4
• 8415-99-120-2909 – 6 7/8
• 8415-99-120-2910 – 7
• 8415-99-120-2911 – 7 3/8
• 8415-99-120-2912 – 7 1/4
• 8415-99-120-2913 – 7 3/8
• 8415-99-120-2914 – 7 1/2

The initial issue to the NZSAS in 1962 consisted of 75 Mk II Airborne helmets, but 50 of these were in sizes smaller than 7, rendering them unusable for most of the unit. These undersized helmets were later exchanged for larger sizes, and by 1966, the unit was fully equipped with its entitlement of 105 helmets.

Over time, a Lightweight safety helmet was adopted for parachute training, while the Mk II helmet remained in use with the NZSAS until the late 1970s when limited availability of spare parts rendered it unsupportable.

Due to the modular design of the M1 helmet, components were procured to adapt it for parachuting. However, these were managed within a separate NZBS which lacked controls to differentiate between M1 helmets configured for ground troops and those configured for airborne operations. Fortunately, the Army’s attempts to mainstream airborne operations were limited to a few exercises in the mid-1980s, as this lack of oversight could have caused safety and logistical complications.

Other Variations with the NZ M1 Helmets

Aside from variations in M1 helmet covers and differences between ground and airborne components, the primary distinction in New Zealand’s M1 helmets lay in the helmet liners. The type of liner depended on when the helmets were purchased—initially from the United States and later from South Korea. Once received, there was no formal system in place to manage these variations as separate supply items. Despite the differences in liners, all M1 helmet liners were treated as identical within the New Zealand Army’s inventory. Examples of the different liners were:

• M1 Helmet Liner – Infantry P55- Made from laminated cotton duck, the liner featured:
  • suspension webbing that could be adjusted to hold the liner at the right height on the wearer’s head
  • neck strap and adjustable neck band that was designed to prevent the helmet from pitching forward
  • leather-lined headband that could be adjusted to the wearer’s head size
  • leather chin strap.[35]
• M1 Helmet Liner – Infantry P64 – Made from laminated cotton duck from 1964 and 1969, it was also produced in laminated high-strength nylon fabric between 1964 and 1974, offering improved ballistic protection but was heavier than the cotton duck version. The liner featured:
  • A new suspension with three webbing straps that could each be adjusted to hold the liner at the right height on the head.
  • A new neck band assembly consisting of a rectangular webbed body with three straps attached to small buckles inside the liner.
  • The P64 Infantry liner did not have a leather chin strap. [36]
• South Korean liner – Made from Reinforced Plastics. The liner featured
  • A suspension similar to the P64 liner.

Overview of New Zealand Army Helmet Development from 2000

The story of helmets in the New Zealand Army since 2000 is one of evolving technology, logistical hiccups, sub-optimal management, and creative adaptability by soldiers. While this overview touches on key milestones, it’s far from the whole picture—there’s still more to uncover.

M1 to PASGT: Growing Pains

Switching from the M1 helmet to the PASGT wasn’t exactly smooth sailing, with both helmets often seen on the same missions, partly due to a disjointed rollout that left distribution and entitlement a bit messy and that, unlike the M1, the PSAGT was not one size fits all helmet but one that needed to be sized to provide the best fit and protection for the user.

Early on, the PASGT helmet didn’t even come with proper covers, so soldiers improvised, repurposing M1 covers to make do. It wasn’t until the late ’90s that the Army finally issued covers in NZDPM, solving the problem of providing some uniformity and a more professional look.

2008 PASGT Upgrade: Comfort and Protection Boost

In 2008, the PASGT got a much-needed upgrade with the Skydex Harness. This new suspension system, complete with padding, made the helmet more comfortable and offered better protection. It was a solid improvement that helped the helmet keep up with modern demands.

2012: Rabintex 303AU ACH

In 2012, the Rabintex 303AU Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) that had begun to be introduced in 2008 replaced the PASGT for operational use. The ACH brought better ballistic protection and a more modern design, while the PASGT Skydex helmets were relegated to training duties.

2021: Viper P4

By 2021, the NZ Army had moved on again, introducing the full cut Viper P4 helmet to replace the Rabintex ACH.[37] The Viper P4 helmet is a lightweight, advanced combat helmet offering superior ballistic and fragmentation protection. It features a Modular Suspension System for enhanced comfort and stability and supports a range of mission-specific accessories like mounts, rails, and visors, making it versatile and adaptable for modern military operations.

In conclusion, the evolution of helmets within the New Zealand Army is more than a mere account of changing headgear—it’s an example of adaptability, resourcefulness, and commitment to soldier protection. This journey reflects broader trends in military innovation, operational necessity, and global advancements, from the introduction of the steel helmet during World War I to the cutting-edge Viper P4 combat helmet of today. The transition from local ingenuity in wartime manufacturing to the adoption of globally benchmarked equipment underlines the enduring focus on operational readiness and soldier safety.

This study represents an initial exploration of a multifaceted subject. While it provides a foundational understanding of the developmental milestones, practical challenges, and historical contexts surrounding New Zealand Army helmets, significant gaps remain. Further research is essential to enrich this narrative, particularly in areas like the experiences of soldiers using this equipment, the logistical processes underpinning helmet procurement and distribution, and the operational impacts of these technological shifts.

Future studies can offer a more comprehensive view of helmet evolution and the broader story of how New Zealand has continually adapted its military practices to meet changing demands. This work opens the door for more focused investigations, ensuring the legacy of those who have served is preserved and better understood.

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Notes

[1] F. Wilkinson, Arms and Armour (Hamlyn, 1978). https://books.google.co.nz/books?id=OYvKGwAACAAJ.

[2] “Steel Helmets For French Infantry,” Press, Volume LI, Issue 15308, 18 June 1915, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19150618.2.65.6.

[3] “Steel Helmets for the Trenches,” Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2531, 4 August 1915, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19150804.2.68.

[4] “300,000 Steel Helmets “, New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16032, 25 September 1915, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150925.2.85.33.

[5]  A Rogerson, Macky, Logan, Caldwell Ltd correspondence to Minister of Munitions 27 September 1915.”Uniforms, etc. – Helmets (Steel) For Use of NZEF [New Zealand Expeditionary Force],” Archives New Zealand Item No R22430036  (1915).

[6] Correspondence A Myers, Minister of Munitions to A Rogerson, Macky, Logan, Caldwell Ltd 29 September 1915  “Uniforms, etc. – Helmets (Steel) For Use of NZEF [New Zealand Expeditionary Force].”

[7] “News of the Day,” New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9189, 8 November 1915, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZTIM19151108.2.22.

[8] “Tests with Shrapnel,” New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16163, 8 November 1916, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19160226.2.66.

[9] Wayne Stack and Mike Chappell, The New Zealand expeditionary force in World War I, Men-at-arms: 473, (Oxford : Osprey, 2011, 2011), 38.

[10] “Headquarters New Zealand and Australian Division – New Zealand Division – Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (DADOS) – War Diary, 1 April – 30 April 1917,” Archives New Zealand Item No R23487653  (1917).

[11] “Miscellaneous – Gas masks and steel helmets – Free issue of to troops as Souvenier,” Archives New Zealand Item No R224 32977  (1918).

[12] Mark McGuire, “Equipping the Post-Bellum Army,” Forts and Works (Wellington) 2016.

[13] “QMG (Quartermaster-Generals) Branch – September 1939 to March 1944,” Archives New Zealand Item No R25541150  (1944).

[14] “War Diary, HQ 2 NZ Division ADOS [Assistant Director of Ordnance] and DADOS [Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance] Unit War Diary – August 1940,” Archives New Zealand Item No R26106752  (August 1940).

[15] Helmets Steel – Statement Showing Supply Position as At 30 Jan 1942 “Steel helmets – Manufacture of,” Archives New Zealand Item No R6280648  (1942).

[16] Nancy M Taylor, Home Front Volume I, The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–1945, (Historical Publications Branch, 1986), 564.

[17] “Stores: Machinery and Tools – Mills Web Equipment and Entrenching Tools: General,” Archives New Zealand Item No R17189053  (1912-1969).

[18]  22.042 1 NZ Regt User Trial Report: US Steel Helmets Dated 2 Dec 1960. “Cookers – Helmets: Steel and Liners: Purchase and General,” Archives New Zealand No R17189104  (1942-1972).

[19] “New Infantry Equipment for New Zealand Army,” Archives New Zealand Item No R17189007  (1959 – 1970).

[20] Army 24662A Battle Helmets Dated 23 June 1961. “Cookers – Helmets: Steel and Liners: Purchase and General.”

[21] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for period 1 April 1961 to 31 March 1962,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives  (31 March 1962).

[22] Army 246/62/1/Q9E) WEPC Serial 95 Brigade Group Equipment US Battle Helmets Dated 15 November 1961. “Cookers – Helmets: Steel and Liners: Purchase and General.”

[23] NZAO 17/62. “Publications – Military: Army Form G1098: War Equipment Tables,” Archives New Zealand Item No R17189361  (1951-1963).

[24] 246/62/1 Maint Helmets Steel US Patt Dated 20 Nov 1967. “Cookers – Helmets: Steel and Liners: Purchase and General.”

[25] Army 246/62/1/Q(E) Helmets Steel Dated 20 January 1967. “Cookers – Helmets: Steel and Liners: Purchase and General.”

[26] Minute DOS to G2 Trg Date 3 Nov 1969. “Cookers – Helmets: Steel and Liners: Purchase and General.”

[27] 65/59/39 Field Force Command Routine Orders Dated 13 October 1972. “Cookers – Helmets: Steel and Liners: Purchase and General.”

[28] 246/62/D Surplus Stores Declaration, 8415-NZ-102-0167 Covers Helmet Camouflage UK Patt Qty 31792.  Dated 24 April 1967. “Cookers – Helmets: Steel and Liners: Purchase and General.”

[29] Army 246/62/1/BD Covers Camouflage: Helmets Steel US Pattern Dated Nov 1967. “Cookers – Helmets: Steel and Liners: Purchase and General.”

[30] Army 246/61/1/EP Helmets Steel Cover US Pattern NSN 8415-00-261-6833 Dated 6 Sept 1976. “Arms, Ammunition, Equipment, Stores – Steel Helmets,” Archives New Zealand Item No R2952220  (1960-1979).

[31] Army 213/1/37/EP Combat Clothing Dated 9 December 1975″Clothing – Policy and General – Intro of Combat Clothing Project,” Archives New Zealand No R17311750  (1977-81).

[32] “Conferences – Policy and General – NZ Army Dress Committee 1985-87,” Archives New Zealand No R17311898  (1984).

[33] “Conferences – Policy and General – NZ Army Dress Committee 1984,” Archives New Zealand No R17311893  (1984).

[34] “Conferences – Policy and General – NZ Army Dress Committee 1985-87.”

[35] M.A. Reynosa, Post-World War II M-1 Helmets: An Illustrated Study (Schiffer Publishing, Limited, 1999), 34.

[36] Reynosa, Post-World War II M-1 Helmets: An Illustrated Study, 42 and 49.

[37] “Soldier Personel Protection Project,” New Zealand Army News Issue 551, April 2024, https://issuu.com/nzdefenceforce/docs/armynews_issue551.  The Viper P4 helmet is a lightweight, advanced combat helmet offering superior ballistic and fragmentation protection. It features a Modular Suspension System for enhanced comfort and stability and supports a range of mission-specific accessories like mounts, rails, and visors, making it versatile and adaptable for modern military operations.