Helmets

One of the most noticeable uniform items of the Dragoons is the brass Prince Albert pattern helmet which was first worn for the Royal Visit in 1939. It is believed that the helmets were acquired much as the uniforms had been ie from England and, in particular, the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons. The helmets were worn:

• For the Royal Visit;
• For ceremonial duties post WW2; and
• By cadets as part of their ceremonial uniform.

As the Dragoons did not have a ready stock of helmet plates in 1939, Militia initiative was employed and the existing "starbursts" were modified to permit the insertion of a Dragoon cap badge. For the Royal visit, it is unknown if the men wore the traditional officer style "starburst", the NCO Pattern, or (more likely) locally manufactured tinplate variants.

There are several variants of 19th Dragoon helmets which have been observed. These variants are as follows:

• Variant 1 - Officer starburst with 19 AD cap badge
• Variant 2 - Officer starburst with 19AMR wreath and brass 19 AD cap badge
• Variant 3 - Officer starburst with 19AMR wreath and chrome 19 AD cap badge
• Variant 4 - Tin starburst with 12 points and 19 AD cap badge
• Variant 5 - Tin starburst with 8 points and 19 AD cap badge

Variant 1 - Helmet presented to LCol Summersgill, last Commanding Officer of the 19th Alberta Dragoons - Compliments of Bill Summersgill