Army Helmet

From Swift Current Museum

Accession Number 1972.21.49

Description British Mark IV "Turtle" helmet. Used by the British Army post-WWII until 1959 when an updated liner came into production. It is sometimes referred to as the "turtle" helmet by collectors, because of its vague resemblance to a turtle shell. The Mark IV helmet was a modified design of the Mark III helmet with the chinstrap rivet moved down the bottom of the helmet shell as well as the introduction of a 'lift-the-dot' fastener for the inner liner. These modifications allowed the Mark IV to be utilised for carrying water. Donor card notes this is a Russian helmet, but this is incorrect. It replaced the Mark III helmet and became the British Army's last metal helmet when it was replaced by the composite material Mark 6 helmet in 1985. The Mark V was nearly identical to the Mark IV, except for the updated liner so it is often not given a separate distinction. No lining or straps are present. Manufactured by Briggs Motor Bodies Ltd our of Dagenham.

Materials Steel

Marks/Labels Stamped inside "BMBMK IV // C105 1952" [presumably a year]

Category Personal Artefacts, Clothing – Headwear, Helmet