Brodie Helmet - Post World War I

Post World War I

From 1936 the Mark I Brodie helmet was fitted with an improved liner and an elasticated (actually, sprung) webbing chin strap. This final variant served until late 1940 when it was superseded by the slightly modified Mk II, which served the British and Commonwealth forces throughout World War II. Several Commonwealth nations, such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa, produced their own versions of the MK II, which can be distinguished from those made in Britain. During this period, the helmet was also used by the police, the fire brigade and ARP wardens in Britain. The helmets for the ARP wardens came in two variations, black with a white "W" for wardens and white with a black "W" for Chief Wardens. A civilian pattern was also available for private purchase, known as the Zuckerman helmet, which was a little deeper, but made from ordinary mild steel.

In 1944, the British replaced it with a significantly modified design known as the Mk III "Turtle" helmet.

The U.S. Army used the basic Brodie-patterned M1917 helmet until 1942 with some modifications, which included a totally new liner and canvas chin strap. It was finally superseded by the M1 Helmet in 1942.

The helmet was the inspiration for the name of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (or the MOTH), a brotherhood of front-line ex-soldiers founded in 1927 by Charles Evenden.