Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Share #1 Posted August 18, 2017 In the past few months I started researching the iconic WWII shrimp nets used by servicemen as a means of camouflage for their M1 helmets. Going through some old threads, I noticed these nets tend to be a bit frustrating since there were so many variants and clones made post-war. After a bit of searching I think I got these nailed down pretty good, I'll focus on the two most common types I see in photos: "The Hexagon" and "3rd ID style" variants used from Italy all the way to the end in Germany. I hope others will jump in and contribute some from their collections or make any corrections. Good source for reference: http://www.90thidpg.us/Research/Original/ShrimpNet/ Starting with the first one: "The Hexagon" pattern: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #2 Posted August 18, 2017 Note this net has 2 different patterns on each side: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #3 Posted August 18, 2017 Close up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #4 Posted August 18, 2017 Period photo comparison of the hexagon pattern: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #5 Posted August 18, 2017 Another period comparison Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #6 Posted August 18, 2017 Back view Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #7 Posted August 18, 2017 Next up is the "3rd ID style" net, these have squares instead of hexagons: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #8 Posted August 18, 2017 This one also has 2 different sides: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #9 Posted August 18, 2017 Note the distinct "SSSS" like pattern: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #10 Posted August 18, 2017 Side View Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #11 Posted August 18, 2017 Period color photo comparison Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #12 Posted August 18, 2017 Exposure to the sun can cause fading, which appeared to be common with 3rd ID helmets used in Italy: Note the same "SSSS" pattern on the nets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #13 Posted August 18, 2017 From another thread: http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/140053-bullet-damaged-m1-helmet/ This helmet is displayed at a museum, note the hexagon shrimp net. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #14 Posted August 18, 2017 These are the only 3 I own, two are the same except one is heavily faded: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #15 Posted August 18, 2017 Another picture of the "3rd ID" type net with square holes worn in Germany Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #16 Posted August 18, 2017 Another "3rd ID" square hole type. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarheeltim Posted August 18, 2017 Share #17 Posted August 18, 2017 Nice references! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GITom1944 Posted August 18, 2017 Share #18 Posted August 18, 2017 Great research. Helmet nets were used in every theater and there were many variations. This is well presented. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earlymb Posted August 18, 2017 Share #19 Posted August 18, 2017 Great info! To possibly complicate the matter, I believe lots of Commonwealth nets were also used. There is a myriad of different types of those and not much known about them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches Posted August 18, 2017 Share #20 Posted August 18, 2017 A question, why is the one style called a 3rd Division type? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #21 Posted August 18, 2017 Good question patches, I'm not sure why they called them since 3rd ID wore all sorts nets, even the hexagon hole ones... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #22 Posted August 18, 2017 Another great photo showing the "3rd ID" square hole type net, note the thick woven texture: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #23 Posted August 18, 2017 3rd Infantry Division soldier with hexagon hole netting: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Hazard Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share #24 Posted August 18, 2017 3rd Infantry Division, note the distinct "SSSSS" patterns on the netting: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntssurplus Posted August 18, 2017 Share #25 Posted August 18, 2017 Great guide! Thanks for making it! Hunt Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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