British WWII Mark I ARP Helmet

A British Air Raid Precautionary (ARP) helmet is a Mk II steel helmet, produced by Briggs Motor Bodies (B.M.B.) in 1940. These helmets were standard equipment for civil defense during the Second World War, designed to protect against falling debris and shrapnel.

Manufacturing Details

• Manufacturer: The initials B.M.B. stand for Briggs Motor Bodies of Dagenham, one of the primary producers of British helmets during the war.
• Date: The 1940 stamp on the rim indicates the helmet was made during the crucial early years of the war, in the midst of the Blitz.
• Steel Quality: ARP helmets were often made of "Grade 2" mild steel, which was less bullet-resistant than military helmets. To identify these, small holes were often drilled in the rim (usually near the chin strap rivets).

Features

• Color & Markings: Most ARP helmets were painted black. Often, a white letter was applied to indicate the wearer's role:
  • "W": Warden
  • "R": Rescue Party
  • "FAP": First Aid Post
  • White helmet with a black "W": Chief Warden
• Liner: The helmet likely has a Mk I or Mk II liner and a spring-loaded canvas chin strap. The B.M.B. stamps and the date can often be found on the liner as well.