This cabinet displays a diverse collection of military footwear and helmets, each representing different eras and contexts of military service. From the practical garrison and combat boots worn by Canadian soldiers, to iconic helmets used in World War II, modern-day operations, and the Cold War period, these items offer insight into the daily experiences and evolving protective gear of military personnel across decades and conflict zones.
Cabinet
Artifacts
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Boots, Ankle, Garrison
Garrison ankle boots were for day-to-day wear in garrison or on a Canadian Forces base, out of the public eye (a “garrison” is a permanent military installation). In the late twentieth century, when all black, all leather boots were a required part of the Army Combat Uniform, soldiers would have one set of field boots, …
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Boots, Combat, Afghanistan
This is an example of Canadian Army desert boots used by Canadian troops in Afghanistan. They were manufactured by Boulet Boots of Canada with vibram soles (a rubber sole with deep tread). They are worn with the Canadian arid cadpat field uniform (Camouflage Pattern), in desert-type environments. The Converse boot is a high-performance boot. This …
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Boots, Combat, Canadian, Mark 3 (1982 to 2000)
Combat boots are military boots designed to be worn by soldiers during combat or combat training, rather than during parades and other ceremonial duties. The Canadian Army adopted a rubber soled combat boot. Boot care was officially to be done with special preservative issued in metal tins rather than boot polish. The combat boot was …
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Boots, Garrison, Matterhorn Style
This boot has a high top with smooth leather. It was issued to be used in a Garrison (a permanent military installation). A Matterhorn Style boot is a higher length boot compared to a parade boot. The Garrison Dress boot was similar in general design to the combat boot but more cheaply made and not …
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Helmet, 2WW, M1 (C. 1941)
Roughly 22,000,000 of this M1 helmet were produced during the Second World War. Two main companies produced the majority of the 2WW M1 helmets: McCord Radiator & Manufacturing Co., located in Detroit, Michigan. McCord began production in June 1941 and produced twenty million M1 helmets. (2) Schlueter Manufacturing Co., located in St. Louis, Missouri. Schlueter …
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Helmet, CG634, Kevlar
The CG634 is the Canadian Armed Forces’ main combat helmet. It was introduced in 1997 and is based on the French Gallet TC-3 helmet. The helmet has protection Level 3a rating, which means it is able to stop a shot from a .357 Magnum. History: The Canadian military sought a replacement for the steel M1 …
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Helmet, Turtle, Mark II, British/Canadian Army
Description: This is a standard, bowl-shaped, MkII steel helmet, painted olive green. Internally the helmet features a black oilskin liner made of five tongues (see 2nd picture inside of liner) with a rubber pad to the crown. There is a khaki coloured canvas web chinstrap fitted. In 1938, the Canadian War Office began production of …
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Helmet, Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Pact was established in 1955 to respond to West Germany’s entry into NATO. German aggression was still a recent memory among the Soviets and East Europeans. The East German Army was probably the best trained and best equipped of the Warsaw Pact powers. Ironically, it was also considered the most reliable yet least …