Portuguese M940/63 steel helmet

Portuguese M940/63 steel combat helmet used the same shell as the earlier WWII era M940, but has a upgraded liner very similar to the type used in a US M1 helmet liner.

The liner design was copied from the Riddell suspension of the US M1 helmet, proven to be effective and comfortable in combat situations. The chinstrap was also changed into a ‘quick-release’ strap, made of strong, green cotton canvas, similar to that encountered on the helmet US M-1. The modified helmet was referred to as the M940/63.

These helmets were used by the Portuguese military during the wars in Mozambique & Angola during the 1960s and 1970s. As much equipment was left behind when Portugal left Africa, a large supply of equipment and helmets were used by African liberation units during the Rhodesia War and South African Bush Wars.

After the Portuguese left their colonies in Angola and Mozambique in 1974 much of their weapons and kit was repurposed by the Rhodesians. Being under an arms embargo the Rhodesians had to make use of various military supplies both captured and left behind by other forces such as the Portuguese.