Iconic ‘Tommy’ helmet designed in Halifax

The iconic helmet worn by British soldiers during latter years of the First World War was designed here in Halifax.

Local historians now believe that Halifax-based metallurgist Alfred Bates came up with the method to cut and press sheets of hardened steel into the famous ‘Tommy’ helmet shape in 1915.

The helmet is credited with saving the lives of thousands of British and American soldiers through the First World War.

Local historian David Glover said: “An article in the Courier from January 11 1919 talks about the share of a Halifax firm in perfecting the steel helmet.

“It explains what the Halifax firm Willis and Bates were up to during the war.”

When Bates died in 1929, it was reported that he was the inventor of the helmet.

However, the design is usually attributed to John Leopold Brodie who patented the design in January 1918 and the design is often nicknamed ‘the Brodie helmet’ - Bates never applied for a patent.

Mr Glover said: “There is no doubt at all that Brodie had a great part in the helmet’s development, but as I understand it he was more involved in the lining and the mounting of the helmet.

“The patent papers acknowledge that there are other similar helmet designs, but stressed that this helmet was specifically to protect against wounds.”

The patent covers the mounting of the helmet which helps to protect the head.