dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 I was taking some photos cataloging and thought I would share these. Headgear developed for survival purposes during WWII. The development of headgear was mostly influenced by survivors utilizing life rafts and secondly jungle use for insect protection. This is a basic run down . The first service to standardize survival headgear was the AAF Wich was a basic headnet intended to be included in emergency kits. Mosquito , Headnet part # 43G3868 standardized in 1942. The construction is very basic having a tube shape with a bobbi netting and cloth top. Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 the AAF nets are most commonly found in khaki but a green version also exists collectors recognizing it as a C-1 vest Headnet Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 The Bureau of Aeronautics soon followed suit and developed a similar Headnet for use on pneumatic life rafts. Same type of construction as the AAF counterpart but with a modification on the face area by adding a wire frame and slot for drinking and eating without having to lift the veil. Referenced as Headnet,Mosquito Naval Aeroanutical specification M-565 standardized in 1943 Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 The Headnet M-565 was packaged in a Kraft envelope. These were also included with the M-592 back pad kit Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 These envelopes are marked but typically very faint and hard to photograph Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 During the spring and summer of 1943 a series of life raft field tests were conducted jointly and separately be each aviation service. One of the consistent observations was inadequate sun protection from head to toe. From the neck down simple solutions were presented but the protection of the head required a bit more thought. The BuAer developed an improved Headnet incorporating a a cloth veil for both the face and neck. Another special feature was the addition of a spout on the top to be used conjunction with the 5 quart water bladder developed in parallel with this new head piece. Referenced as Hat,Headnet,Protective Nav spec. M-565a standardized in 1944 Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 These were packed in a waterproof Kraft envelope and included an instruction sheet Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 The AFF developed a sun hat that also had multiple functions but differed greatly from the BuAer solution. There design was full brim cap which was adjustable green on one side for camouflage and arc yellow on the other for signaling. Another aspect of sun protection was glare and on the M565a the veil with the fairly narrow slits provided adequate glare protection. The AAF addressed the issue by utilizing a combination of the sun hat and sun goggles. Referenced as Hat,Sun drawing 44G5062 standardized in 1943. The hat was intended to be issued with multi person life rafts and emergency kits. Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 Operational units found both the headnet and sun hat inadequate leading to a new development of a combined hatnheadnet . This new hat headnet was developed in late 1944 as an experimental piece to be slightly revised and standardized in the post war years leading into the Korean War. Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
dustin Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 Visit: https://wwiisurvivalequipment.com/ Link to post Share on other sites
Sabrejet Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 Such bizarre headgear....but very interesting nevertheless! "We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender!" Winston Churchill " Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans." John Winston Lennon Link to post Share on other sites
reddevil1311 Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 A great Collection you have there! "I am a white male aged 18 to 45, everyone listens to me no matter how dumb my suggestions are" www.reenactor.se - Front Historiska Föreningen Link to post Share on other sites
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