Richie Rich Posted 15 May , 2021 Share Posted 15 May , 2021 Greetings Forum from a sunny South Africa. I recently obtained my first WW1 Brodie and two things were instantly noticeable. Firstly, comparing it with a WW11 helmet I was surprised in how light and seemingly flimsy these helmets are and I doubt whether they actually served of any great protection to the poor wearer....secondly, I did see that there was a mark of some sort painted on the side and what seemed like a black line painted around the head rim.....I am assuming this was done for either Regimental reasons or Company reasons? I have posted three pics for the forums viewing pleasure and comments if anyone can possibly shed some light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie Rich Posted 23 May , 2021 Author Share Posted 23 May , 2021 I have subsequently found out that the above helmet is a South African Mk I helmet marked to the 4th South African Infantry Regiment (SA Scottish). The black ring identifies the Regiment and wearer as being part of the 9th Division. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acknown Posted 23 May , 2021 Share Posted 23 May , 2021 Just to let you know someone's reading this! Very interesting, it made me look up the 9th Division. Acknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robins2 Posted 23 May , 2021 Share Posted 23 May , 2021 nice find thanks for posting regards Bob R. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie Rich Posted 29 May , 2021 Author Share Posted 29 May , 2021 Appreciated.....thank you.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMB1943 Posted 29 May , 2021 Share Posted 29 May , 2021 Richie, I am a little surprised at your comment of “seemingly flimsy “. Do you have an actual weight comparison between this and a WW2 example? Regards, JMB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie Rich Posted 29 May , 2021 Author Share Posted 29 May , 2021 Evening Colonel. That's a negative unfortunately....only my opinion/observation when holding them and comparing....perhaps the fact that my WW2 ones are in better nick than the WW1 in particular the inner....might just lend some bearing to my comment....Regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battle of loos Posted 29 May , 2021 Share Posted 29 May , 2021 Good evening, here is a soldier of the 4th S.A.I. taken at the back front of Arras in early 1917. Kind regards Michel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie Rich Posted 30 May , 2021 Author Share Posted 30 May , 2021 Epic photo. Thank you. It certainly captures the mood !!!!! Appreciated Michel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elliot#1 Posted 25 January , 2022 Share Posted 25 January , 2022 Michel, I've only just picked up on your post so apologies for not sharing sooner! I actually did a blog post (which you may have seen?) about the South African helmet markings in WW1. You can find it here if you're interested! https://metcalfemilitaryhistory.co.uk/2020/07/04/steel-helmets-of-the-great-war-south-african-infantry/ All the best, Elliot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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