Mk III helmet facts for kids

The Mk III Helmet was a strong steel helmet made for soldiers. It was first designed for the British Army in 1941. Soldiers started wearing it in April 1944. British and Canadian troops first used it in battle on D-Day. The Mk III and Mk IV helmets were used during the rest of Second World War. Some collectors call it the "turtle" helmet. This is because it looks a bit like a turtle shell!

What Made It Special?

The Mk III helmet was made to protect soldiers' heads better. It was deeper than older helmets. It also had a smaller brim. This helmet gave 38% more protection than the older Mk II helmet. It was especially better at protecting the sides of the head.

This helmet was mostly given to attack troops. They used it for the Normandy invasion in June 1944. Many helmets from British supplies went to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. Some also went to the 2nd and 4th Canadian Divisions. After World War II, all Canadian Mk III helmets went back to the UK.

The Mk III slowly replaced the older Brodie helmet from 1944. After the war, the Mk IV helmet replaced the Mk III. The Mk IV looked very much like the Mk III. The main differences were where the chin strap was attached. Also, the Mk IV had a "lift-the-dot" fastener for its inside lining. These changes meant the Mk IV could even be used to carry water! In 1985, a new helmet made of nylon, called the Mark 6, started to replace the steel Mk IV.

How It Was Made

A British soldier wearing a Mark III helmet during the Normandy Campaign in 1944

Even though the helmet was designed in 1941, it took time to make. Production did not start until late 1943. Three companies in the UK made the helmet:

Helmet making began in November 1943. It continued until early 1945. Then, factories started making the Mk IV helmets instead. Mk III helmets were first painted a rough khaki green color. Later, they were painted a rough dark brown.