Helmet manufacture commenced in November 1943 until early 1945 when production shifted to the MK IV helmets. It was produced by three manufacturers in the UK: In 1985 the nylon fibre Mark 6 helmet was introduced into service to replace the MK IV, although it was some years before the issue was universal.Ī British soldier wearing a Mark III helmet during the Normandy Campaign in 1944Īlthough designed in 1941, due to production issues, the helmet was not manufactured until late 1943. Hence, the title of the helmet (at least in British army stores catalogues) remained the MK IV. In 1959 a new, more padded, liner was introduced into service but the steel helmet body was unchanged. These modifications allowed the Mk IV to be utilised for carrying water. The differences were that the rivets attaching the chinstrap to the helmet were placed much lower down on the shell and the use of a "lift-the-dot" fastener for the liner. The Mk III was itself replaced after the war by the Mark IV helmet, which it closely resembled. The Mk III gradually replaced the Brodie helmet from 1944 onwards. All Mark III helmets in Canadian stores were returned to the UK shortly after the end of World War II. Small numbers also went to the 2nd and 4th Canadian Divisions. The Mark III helmet was issued primarily to assault troops for the Normandy invasion in June 1944, and a large number of helmets from British stocks were issued to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division in addition to British units. It was a deeper helmet with a smaller brim and provided 38% more protection than the Mark II, particularly at the sides (total area of head protection was increased by 12%, horizontal protection was increased by 15% and from items falling from overhead by 11%).
The Mark III helmet was designed to provide better protection for the side of the head than its predecessor.
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