A genuine WWII British Civil Defence helmet marked “R•P 20”, originally issued to a Rescue Party during the 1939–45 Home Front effort. Rescue Parties were the teams who worked in the aftermath of air raids, entering collapsed buildings to pull survivors to safety — one of the most dangerous Civil Defence roles of the war.
This example shows the layered history typical of wartime service. The helmet began life with a black early‑war Civil Defence base coat, later repainted in a matte emerald/grass green — a colour used by several local authorities, who often relied on their own municipal paint stocks rather than national standards. The bold white “R•P 20” marking was added over the green, identifying the Rescue Party and its unit number. Multiple paint layers around the rim confirm it was repainted during service, exactly as documented for Home Front equipment.
The original liner is long gone, leaving the bare Mk.II shell with honest age‑wear, scuffs and patina. The result is a striking, characterful piece of Home Front history — a helmet that has clearly lived a life and carries the story of the people who wore it.
Perfect for collectors of WWII memorabilia, social history enthusiasts, or anyone who loves objects with real depth and provenance.
Dimensions.(cm)
H - 12 / W - 31
A genuine WWII British Civil Defence helmet marked “R•P 20”, originally issued to a Rescue Party during the 1939–45 Home Front effort. Rescue Parties were the teams who worked in the aftermath of air raids, entering collapsed buildings to pull survivors to safety — one of the most dangerous Civil Defence roles of the war.
This example shows the layered history typical of wartime service. The helmet began life with a black early‑war Civil Defence base coat, later repainted in a matte emerald/grass green — a colour used by several local authorities, who often relied on their own municipal paint stocks rather than national standards. The bold white “R•P 20” marking was added over the green, identifying the Rescue Party and its unit number. Multiple paint layers around the rim confirm it was repainted during service, exactly as documented for Home Front equipment.
The original liner is long gone, leaving the bare Mk.II shell with honest age‑wear, scuffs and patina. The result is a striking, characterful piece of Home Front history — a helmet that has clearly lived a life and carries the story of the people who wore it.
Perfect for collectors of WWII memorabilia, social history enthusiasts, or anyone who loves objects with real depth and provenance.
Dimensions.(cm)
H - 12 / W - 31
