Crewman, Armoured Reconnaissance Company, Swiss Army, 1942.jpg

Although a mountainous country, the authorities of Switzerland identified that armoured fighting vehicles was a necessity of modern warfare. In the late 1930s they began to build up a small force of tanks. These included 24 Czech LTH models equipped with 24mm Oerlikon-Solothurn M.38 guns(titled Panzerwagen 39), and six British Vickers Model 1934 light tanks armed with machineguns. There were also 5 French FT17 tanks, two acquired in 1922 for trials and the last three in 1939, Vickers tankettes and later Renault R35s.

This crewman wears a modified steel helmet with much reduced edges. Around the edge and over the crown is, presumably, leather to cushion any impact whilst inside the vehicle. Note the thicker chinstrap to hold the helmet more firmly to the head.

His uniform is a coverall, a common item used by AFV crews. This was also used by military motorcyclists. It is closed at the wrists and ankles with buttons.

A simple waist belt is worn, perhaps with a holstered pistol attached. Boots complete the uniform.