The Chief Surgeon of the Eighth Air Force, Colonel Malcolm Grow, was determined to find a solution to the dilemma and developed an anti-flak helmet specifically for aircrew members who occupied the tight confines of turrets. His initial design weighed just over two pounds and looked like a skull cap. Unlike the M-1, the "Grow helmet" as it was often called, did not have an internal suspension. It rested directly on the leather or cloth flying helmet. A prototype was submitted to the Ordnance Department for consideration and was designated as the T3. Tests concluded that while the helmet did not have the protective qualities of the M3, it did improve survivability. The helmet was redesigned as the M4 and placed into service.
The M4 was manufactured in two versions : One in England and the other in the United States. Both were constructed of overlapping pieces of Hadfield Manganese. The British made was covered with dark brown leather and the American made M4 was covered with olive drab twill / cloth.
The one below is the British made M4 but modified !! Both sides with two extra studs for ear-protection caps. These caps are also made from Hadfield manganese and covered the same way. During the years of collecting this is the 2nd complete one I ever saw. If there is someone between us who has any information of this rare Anti Flak helmet, please let me know, thanks !!
Regards, Paul
