Military Helmet History

In combat, a killing blow is most effective against the head. The skull is fairly weak and the human brain is a vital organ. Helmets are a form of protection worn on the head to protect this vulnerable area. Early helmets ranged from leather caps to bronze and iron skullcaps. Helmets also protected the face, temple and neck. This protection was a defense against sword, spear, arrow and other crude, sharp weapons. In modern times, the helmet protects against small arms fire and shrapnel from explosions.

Ancient Helmets

Helmet by DRB62 (http://www.flickr.com)

Ancient helmets were often made of leather with metal straps, usually made of bronze or iron. In northern and western Europe, these helmets were conical or hemispherical. As new technologies and combat tactics emerged, helmet designs changed. Greek and Roman helmets often had metal covering most of the face. This was to protect the nose, cheeks and temples but still provide visibility during combat.

Medieval Helmets

Great Helm by azapolya1 (http://www.flickr.com)

By the High Middle Ages, or about the 11th and 12th century, military helmets were completely made of iron or steel and covered the entire head and some of the neck. The Crusader Helmet or Great Helm was created early in the 12th century and became the most popular type of helmet for the next 300 years. This helmet, or heaume, was flat-topped and usually worn over a skullcap or chain headdress. Rounded helmets could deflect blows to the head more easily. Eventually the basinet emerged, allowing more features like a movable visor and greater neck protection.

Firearms

Union Soldiers II by Dailyinvention (http://www.flickr.com)

In the 18th and 19th centuries, when firearms became more widely used, helmets became obsolete, much like iron and steel body armor. In combat, soldiers became lighter and faster and wore only heavy fabrics. Light helmets were still used by cavalry, but for the average soldier, a helmet did little to protect the head against bullets.

World War I

WWI Chaplain's Helmet by Svadilfari (http://www.flickr.com)

Military helmets returned during World War I and World War II to protect soldiers from metal fragments and debris. The French made it official military apparel in 1914; Britain, Germany and the rest of Europe followed. When the United States entered World War I in 1917, it did not have a helmet for its soldiers.

World War II

WWII American Helmet by Paul J Everett (http://www.flickr.com)

During World War II, the United States designed and standardized the M-1 helmet by June 1941. The M-1 was a two-piece helmet with an inner liner holding the suspension cloth and a hard outside steel shell to cover it. This helmet became the symbol of the American soldier and was used afterward in the Korean and Vietnam wars.