This is an original WW2 British War Department Helmet Mosquito Net, dated 1944 and complete with its original WD-labelled carton.

Designed for use in tropical theatres such as Burma, India and the Far East, this helmet net was intended to be worn over the standard British steel helmet, providing vital protection against mosquitoes and other insects in malaria-prone operational areas. By 1944, mosquito discipline was taken extremely seriously, and items such as this formed an essential part of a soldier’s field equipment in overseas service.

The net features a khaki cotton drill crown section designed to sit securely over the helmet, with a fine olive mesh veil falling around the face and neck. A reinforced horizontal band helps prevent the mesh from collapsing against the wearer’s face, while the long skirt is designed to be tucked into the collar of a battledress blouse or shirt. The original drawstring adjustment remains present.

The accompanying carton is clearly marked:

WD 1944
NETS HELMET
MOSQUITO

Complete boxed examples are notably less common than loose nets, and the survival of the original period packaging adds both display appeal and collector interest.

The net itself remains in very good condition, with the mesh appearing intact and free from obvious damage. The cotton crown retains good colour and structure, and the stitching appears sound. The original cardboard carton shows expected age-related wear but remains structurally solid, with the printed label clear and legible though due to it being a simple cardboard box, it’s not retained a 100% rectangle shape, as the photos display.

A clean and honest late-war British Army tropical issue item, ideal for collectors of Burma campaign material, tropical equipment, or original boxed WW2 field kit.