1914-1918 38th Battalion Major's Universal Pattern Helmet w/Badge

Object/Artifact

Royal Canadian Military Institute

38th Battalion Major's Helmet Obverse

Name/Title

1914-1918 38th Battalion Major's Universal Pattern Helmet w/Badge

Entry/Object ID

2019.3.140

Description

1914-1918 38th Battalion Major's Universal Pattern helmet made of brown khaki cotton twill. The crown has a six piece construction. Wrapped around the base of the crown is a cotton gauze pugaree, pleated and pinned in even pleats with straight pins. Most of the pins are not visible. Above the wrapped gauze in the centre of the helmet is a metal badge (3 x 3cm) denoting the 38th Ottawa Overseas Battalion. The six-piece construction stiffened peak wraps around the entirety of the helmet with flattened construction towards the back. Across the front of the peak is a leather chin strap (1.3 cm wide x 42.5 cm long) made adjustable with a brass buckle (1.8 x 1.5 cm). The inside of the peak is lined with green cotton twill fabric. The crown is lined with brown cotton fabric. The sweatband is made of medium brown leather attached to the helmet in eight locations around the helmet by round rubber pieces. The top of the sweatband has twine woven between the leather, likely to adjust the fit around the skull. In the centre of the crown in a round, brass ventilation hole with eight spokes.

Use

Worn by Major's in the Canadian 38th Ottawa Overseas Battalion during World War One.

Context

The 38th Battalion served in Canada, England, France, and Bermuda. The battalion served in Bermuda from August 12, 1915 to May 30, 1916 on garrison duty.

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Christys London

Date made

1909

Place

* Untyped Place

London, England

Dimension Description

Helmet

Width

26.5 cm

Depth

19 cm

Length

34.5 cm

Circumference

54.5 cm

Dimension Notes

Circumference measures inner sweatband.