Posted 7 years ago
BlackWatch
(65 items)
A nice and rare WWII Period Wolseley sun helmet to the Seaforth Highlanders. The sun helmet is in great condition for its age, and only has a slight bit of the tin foil wrapping in the interior of the sun helmet crumbling off, but even still the majority of the interior is still in good condition. To one side of the sun helmet is a MacKenzie tartan flash to the Seaforth Highlanders. The tartan flash really stands out on this sun helmet, and I really like it. The pagri of the sun helmet is also in good condition.
This sun helmet is attributed and named to Alexander Harper "Alastair" McKillop of the Seaforth Highlanders. He was born on 09.11.1913. Prior to 1941, McKillop served in the ranks of the London Scottish. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 29.11.1941 in the Seaforth Highlanders. What is interesting here is this was an emergency commission, so it appears the British needed more Officers so a few experienced men from the ranks were commissioned in various regiments, including the Seaforths. Throughout the war, Lieutenant McKillop served with the 6th, 7th, and 9th Battalions, Seaforth Highlanders. He served with the 6th Battalion twice, before he was in the 7th and 9th Btns, and after he was in them.
The 6th Battalion was a 2nd Line TA unit that was transferred to the 17th Infantry Brigade, part of the 5th Infantry Division. It served with the division throughout the war in Sicily, Italy, and finally in Northwest Europe. He may have needed a Wolseley sun helmet for Italy, although I'm not sure.
Post-War Alexander Harper McKillop made full Lieutenant 01.04.1950, Captain 04.01.1952 and Major in 10.11.1963. From 1950-1952, he served on the Cadet Force in Renfrew. From 1952-61 he served with the Seaforth Highlanders Territorial Army. In 1961 he transferred to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and served in the regiment until his retirement on 16.11.1964. Alexander Harper McKillop passed away in 1973.
Overall a fantastic condition and rare sun helmet to an Officer who had a long service in the Seaforth Highlanders among other units.
Have just discovered this four years too late. Please tell me what happened to the helmet. It was my father's and I would love to have it back.
I am Alistair McKillop’s other daughter. We would love to know more about this helmet. I hope someone can help