Army Helmet
Artefact
2002.3.1
A Canadian Steel Helmet Mark II helmet. This model was introduced in 1938 by the British and was a modified version of the earlier Brodie-style helmets. Canadian helmet production commenced in 1940. The helmets were identical to the British original, except that the rubber "bumper" pads in the lining were only fitted to horizontal helmet band and not to the vertical bands. The Mark II continued in front-line service with Canadian forces until March 1960. It featured a new shell with a non-magnetic rim, so that the wearer could use a magnetic compass, and the new liner and chinstrap used in the Mark I*. Made from a single piece of stamped steel, round crown, brim, leather chin strap, netting and padding inside crown.
Manufactured by Canadian Motor Lamp Co. of Windsor (1940-1943).
The liner in this helmet is not original to the shell. It is a United States M1917A1 liner which was introduced in 1939. This was a standard issue liner for American troops following their entrance to WWII but was replaced for American troops by the M-1 helmet before the end of the war. Based on the stamps the liner was intended for a member of the United States Army Ordnance Corps. These liners would not have been seen in Canadian WWII military helmets. Surplus Canadian Helmet, Steel, Mark II and WWII US-made McCord (McCord Radiator Company) Civil Defence Helmets were issued to the Canadian Civil Defence following the formation in 1949 so this may explain how the shell and liner ended up together.
The term Brodie is often mis-used. It only applies to the original 1915 Brodie's Steel Helmet, War Office Pattern.
Steel; Leather; Canvas
Stamped underside of brim "C.L./C 1942 // 78"
Personal Artefacts, Clothing – Headwear, Helmet