Casgliadau Arlein

Black painted steel helmet with two white painted stripes around the rim and the word 'POLICE' painted in white in the front centre. Above the word 'police' is a black and white striped chevron symbol. Canvas fittings inside and a fabric chin strap attached to the rim by metal loops and brackets. Second World War issue. Stamped G19 / BMB above one of the brackets, identifying Briggs Motor Bodies of Dagenham as manufacturer. Formerly of Gwent Police Museum collection.

Helmets like this, although called tin helmets, were in fact made of steel. They protected Police officers' heads from bomb damage and during air raids At the beginning of the Second World War the helmets would have been padded, but as the war progressed a shortage of manufacturing materials resulted in a loss of quality. (Source : South Wales Poice Heritage Centre)