Attributable RN Wolseley?

[Lost Skeleton]

Here's something up Peter's alley, a blancoed Royal Navy Wolseley Pattern Foreign Service helmet and japanned storage case:

The name, Gatehouse, is fairly distinctive, and my search through the London Gazette archives found a Lieutenant Richard Gatehouse, DSC and Bar, RN, who was skipper of HMS Sportsman, (P229) an S class submarine operating in the Mediterranean. Prior to commanding Sportsman, Gatehouse served aboard HMS Triumph, (N18) a T class submarine. Gatehouse was awarded his Distinguished Service Cross for Triumph and Bar for Sportsman.

http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3488.html

http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/3447.html

Richard Gatehouse was the sole match for the Royal Navy in both World Wars. Consequently, I'm fairly certain I have the correct provenance, and, if so, didn't do too badly for my $195.00 investment.

Chas

 

[Peter_Suciu]

Hi Chas--
Very nice example, and good sleuthing too!
Peter

 

[stuart_bates]

Hi Chas,

I have seen a variation of the Union Flag stamp in an RN Wolseley, in fact Peter has it. Does the headband have a stamp giving the patent details?

I have just authorised the printing of a book on the Wolseley helmet (www.militarysunhelmets.com). Yes, another blatant plug!

Your helmet is in very, very good condition, I have two but don't display them. Gieves were the major contractor to the Royal Navy and bought out the major Army supplier of Hawkes & Co. in 1912.

Stuart