Zuckerman helmet
Encyclopedia
The Zuckerman helmet was a British helmet designed for use by civil defence organisations and the general public during World War II. It was researched and designed by Solly Zuckerman
, Derman Christopherson
and Hugh Cairns
.
After the War Office
accepted their design, the Civilian Protective Helmet went into circulation in December 1940 and then throughout 1941 (the vast majority are therefore dated 1941).
Helmets were made from pressed mild steel or manganese steel (known for its impact resistance) in two sizes only and sometimes marked with either M (medium) and L (large) on the inside of the brim. The design of the high dome was to allow the helmet to withstand impact and still protect the wearer. Many have two single holes opposite each other on the brim. This marking details the amount of resistance the helmet offered to ballistic impact (this being the lowest and therefore not for use as a frontline helmet). The helmet was available in a number of colours - white, black, grey and olive green.
A helmet liner made of leather and webbing was attached to the helmet with string, lace or leather thong threaded through 16 pre-drilled slightly angled holes around the helmet to hold it in place. Small loops were incorporated on the helmet for attaching a chinstrap but no official strap was issued, though many use the Mk II helmet chinstrap. Consequently, helmets can be found with numerous chin strap variations.
The helmet was manufactured by a number of companies, among them the Austin Motor Co. and Morris Motors.
personnel such as Fire Guards and Street Fire Parties, by factory workers and were on sale to the general public for 5 shillings and sixpence (5s 6d).
When used by Fire Guards and Street Fire Party personnel the helmets were marked accordingly with FG or SFP. Bands around the helmet (often in black) would denote seniority within the Fire Guard service.
The fire service declined to use the Zuckerman helmet, preferring the Mk II helmet.
Solly Zuckerman
Solly Zuckerman, Baron Zuckerman, OM, KCB, FRS was a British public servant, zoologist, and scientific advisor who is best remembered as an advisor to the Allies on bombing strategy in World War II, for his work to advance the cause of nuclear non-proliferation, and for his role in bringing...
, Derman Christopherson
Derman Christopherson
Sir Derman Guy Christopherson OBE FRS FREng was a British engineering science academic.He was born the son of a clergyman, Derman Christopherson , and Edith Frances...
and Hugh Cairns
Hugh Cairns (surgeon)
Sir Hugh William Bell Cairns was a British neurosurgeon.Hugh Cairns was born in Port Pirie, but came to Adelaide for his secondary education at Adelaide High School and tertiary education at the University of Adelaide...
.
Background
Zuckerman and Cairns first started looking into a design for a helmet to aid civil defence in the middle of 1940. The aim was to provide a helmet that could deal with impact from falling and flying masonry and provide more coverage for the head and neck area.After the War Office
War Office
The War Office was a department of the British Government, responsible for the administration of the British Army between the 17th century and 1964, when its functions were transferred to the Ministry of Defence...
accepted their design, the Civilian Protective Helmet went into circulation in December 1940 and then throughout 1941 (the vast majority are therefore dated 1941).
Helmets were made from pressed mild steel or manganese steel (known for its impact resistance) in two sizes only and sometimes marked with either M (medium) and L (large) on the inside of the brim. The design of the high dome was to allow the helmet to withstand impact and still protect the wearer. Many have two single holes opposite each other on the brim. This marking details the amount of resistance the helmet offered to ballistic impact (this being the lowest and therefore not for use as a frontline helmet). The helmet was available in a number of colours - white, black, grey and olive green.
A helmet liner made of leather and webbing was attached to the helmet with string, lace or leather thong threaded through 16 pre-drilled slightly angled holes around the helmet to hold it in place. Small loops were incorporated on the helmet for attaching a chinstrap but no official strap was issued, though many use the Mk II helmet chinstrap. Consequently, helmets can be found with numerous chin strap variations.
The helmet was manufactured by a number of companies, among them the Austin Motor Co. and Morris Motors.
Service
Zuckerman helmets were issued to Civil DefenceCivil Defence Service
The Civil Defence Service was a civilian volunteer organisation established in Great Britain by the Home Office in 1935. In 1941, during World War II, the use of Civil Defence replaced the pre-existing Air Raid Precautions...
personnel such as Fire Guards and Street Fire Parties, by factory workers and were on sale to the general public for 5 shillings and sixpence (5s 6d).
When used by Fire Guards and Street Fire Party personnel the helmets were marked accordingly with FG or SFP. Bands around the helmet (often in black) would denote seniority within the Fire Guard service.
The fire service declined to use the Zuckerman helmet, preferring the Mk II helmet.