Original British Northern Ireland 1952 Dated “Turtle” MK IV Steel Helmet by Briggs Motor Bodies With Original Artillery Regiment CO “Z” Painted Decal – Marked “Derry” For 8th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom) Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Mk IV helmet is a combat helmet that was used by the British Army in the 1950s to 1980s. It replaced the Mk III helmet and became the British Army’s last metal helmet when it was replaced by the composite material Mk 6 helmet in 1985. The Mark IV helmet was a modified design of the Mk III helmet with the chinstrap rivet moved down the bottom of the helmet shell as well as the introduction of a lift the dot style fastener for the inner liner.

This example is in wonderful condition and even has an original helmet scrim with an Artillery Regiment painted decal that has a “Z” in the center signifying a regimental commanding officer. The paint is retained quite well though there are areas of fading and loss but nothing too significant. The helmet itself is faintly marked and dated on the inside with BMB and 1952. This is for 1952 manufacture by Briggs Motor Bodies of Dagenham, England, who manufactured Brodie and MkIII helmets as well.

The top of the liner is marked with DERRY and we believe this to be for a regiment garrisoned in Derry, Ireland. The regiment was reactivated in the mid-late 1960s, the 8th Brigade was part of the 5th Division before arriving in Northern Ireland after the beginning of The Troubles, reporting to GOC Northern Ireland. It was based at Ebrington Barracks, Derry, and covered the north and northwest of the province. The Brigade Headquarters moved to Shackleton Barracks, Ballykelly, County Londonderry in October 2003. The brigade was disbanded and handed over responsibility to HQ 39th Infantry Brigade, based at Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn, on 1 September 2006.

The helmet is in wonderful condition and comes more than ready for further research and display.