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Description: | The original and very distinctive steel helmet adopted by Great Britain was designed and patented in 1915 by its inventor, John L Brodie. After many experiments, Brodie came to the conclusion that a relatively simple form of helmet would offer reasonable protection, be serviceable and cheap to produce in large numbers. In comparison with both the French Adrian pattern helmet (1915) and the German M1916, the British helmet proved light, robust, simple to make and, for its time, was highly effective. The first helmets were produced at the Sheffield steel works of Sir Robert Hadfield who had pointed out the the many virtues of a high percentage (12%) manganese steel. This alloy, rolled in sheets of 20 gauge or .036 inch, would resist pistol bullets of 230 grains jacketed with cupro-nickel, travelling at the rate of 600 feet per second. Such a bullet caused a deep dent in the helmet but did not penetrate. Moreover, if at higher velocity the projectile passed through the plate, no shattering or splintering occurred. The helmet made its first appearance in any numbers at the Battle of the Somme in July 1916. The overall shape, with modifications, and changes to the liner and finishes, remained in service with British and Commonwealth forces until the lend of the Second World War. The same shape of helmet was used during the Second World War by all services and by the Police, Fire Services and ARP Services. The Brodie 'tin hat' was a masterpiece of simple design and its shape became instantly identifiable.
helmet and liner
Manganese steel helmet in the shape of an inverted bowl with a narrow shelving brim. The helmet has a detachable liner secured by a single screw through the top of the helmet. The chinstrap is leather with a brass buckle adjustment. The strap is secured either side of the helmet through a square 'loop' riveted to the inner part of the shell. The outer shell has a roughened finish. The helmet weighs just under 2 lbs. | Publisher: | http://www.iwm.org.uk | Source: | Imperial War Museum | Creator: | Sir Robert Hadfield, Sheffield | Identifier: | http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/o... | Go to resource |
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