halftrackinfo

general discussion => what's on your mind? => Topic started by: andy on August 04, 2014, 05:17:27 PM

Title: what did halftrack drivers wear on their heads
Post by: andy on August 04, 2014, 05:17:27 PM

Out of curiosity, what did the halftrack drivers wear as head protection in the halftrack, GI helmets? tankers helmets? what kind of goggles? I cant ever remember reading anything about this

Andy

Title: Re: what did halftrack drivers wear on their heads
Post by: Dinadin on August 04, 2014, 07:43:01 PM

All of the pictures I have seen they have M1 helmets on, just like the standard infantry.  As for the goggles a lot the pictures many of the drivers don't have any goggles.

Title: Re: what did halftrack drivers wear on their heads
Post by: mcfolks on August 08, 2014, 06:57:20 AM

What Rich said- they would have had the standard infantry uniform with standard helmet as they weren't really considered a heavy armored vehicle. And it still hurts if you whack your head getting in if you didn't wear one! Goggles would be anything they had available or on hand.

Title: Re: what did halftrack drivers wear on their heads
Post by: col.halftrack on August 12, 2014, 08:24:15 AM

 Not to get to specific but not really as standard infantry but as armored infantry. Standard Inf would have a cartridge belt attached to a backpack/ knapsack. whereas the halftrack crew would have been issued a musette bag and used suspenders on their web gear. Not a big deal but thought I would split hairs  :)

Title: Re: what did halftrack drivers wear on their heads
Post by: Dinadin on August 13, 2014, 07:23:45 PM

Quote from: col.halftrack on August 12, 2014, 08:24:15 AM

Not to get to specific but not really as standard infantry but as armored infantry. Standard Inf would have a cartridge belt attached to a backpack/ knapsack. whereas the halftrack crew would have been issued a musette bag and used suspenders on their web gear. Not a big deal but thought I would split hairs  :)

My impression I have almost all Musette bags on my halftrack, but I have seen a picture of AI from 2nd Armored in Normandy.  They had the limited camo HBTs on and haversacks on the side of the halftrack.  Then again I have also seen video of the 2nd Armored in England with all musette bags during training.

Title: Re: what did halftrack drivers wear on their heads
Post by: 47lincsled on October 10, 2014, 06:24:00 PM

 Yeah but those tanker helmets look so cool! If I ever find one at a reasonable cost I wear it for parades. Usually I wear a liner, not so heavy but still gives you a little protection