RAC helmet facts for kids

Sergeant F. Beal of the Canadian Army Film and Photo Unit talks to infantrymen of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry in 1945. Beal is wearing a RAC Mk1 helmet while the infantrymen wear Brodie helmets

The Royal Armoured Corps helmet was a special combat helmet used by soldiers who worked in tanks and other armoured vehicles. It was made in Britain and designed to protect the heads of these troops. This helmet was first used during World War II and continued to be used by many countries, including those in the Commonwealth, until the Falklands War in the 1980s.

About the RAC Helmet

The Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) helmet was created to keep soldiers safe inside armoured vehicles. It had a unique shape that was also used for helmets worn by dispatch riders, who are people who deliver important messages quickly.

How it was Made

The RAC helmet was first made by a company called Briggs Motor Bodies in Dagenham, England. The helmet used parts from other helmets for its inside padding and straps. Early versions used the same inner lining and suspension system as the Brodie helmet. Later, it used the elastic suspension and lining from the MkIII helmet, which made it more comfortable.

Some of these helmets were even changed to be used by paratroopers, who are soldiers that jump from airplanes. This shows how useful and adaptable the helmet design was.

Who Used It?

The Royal Armoured Corps helmet was used by soldiers in several countries. It was mainly given to troops who served in armoured divisions.

•  Belgium
•  United Kingdom
•  Canada - Canadian tank crews who were part of British armoured divisions also used this helmet.