Category Archives: Canada

Straight to the Point: The History of the Spiked Helmet

A 1905 era Canadian Militia sun helmet with the badge of the 57th Regiment, Peterborough Rangers.

A 1905 era Canadian Militia sun helmet with the badge of the 57th Regiment, Peterborough Rangers.

Many colonial pattern sun helmets featured a spike at the dome, a feature reminiscent of the German “Pickelhaube” (Pointy Hat). This traditional of wearing a spike is one that appears to originate in the 1840s, and while a helmet with a spike on top is traditionally associated with Prussia and later Germany, the truth is that many nations including the United States, Great Britain, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Sweden and Chile all were among those that utilized the decorative spike. Continue reading →

The British Commonwealth Soldier in Jamaica (Circa 1940) Recreated

JAMAICA 1940With the war in Europe going badly for the allies, it was deemed necessary to withdraw the British infantry battalion that usually garrisoned Jamaica and Bermuda to reinforce the heart of the Empire. The Dominion of Canada was asked to field a replacement battalion and agreed at once. ‘Y Force’, as it was known, arrived on May 27 and consisted of the Winnipeg Grenadiers, a machine-gun regiment. This force took up residence in the British base at Up Park Camp outside Kingston as well as the cantonment of Newcastle in the Blue Mountains. (Foster) Continue reading →

The Modern Wolseley Helmet of the Royal Canadian Regiment

While the Wolseley helmet was declared obsolete in 1951 in a List of Changes, several British and Commonwealth units continue to wear the helmet a part of the full dress uniform. This includes of course the Royal Marines, which wear the helmet as part of their number 1 or dress uniform. Additionally, Australian Army Bands, including the Royal Military College Duntroon, still wear the Wolseley helmet. Continue reading →