When it comes to the design of WW1 helmets I personally think that the German Stahlhelm helmet had the most practical design. It design was based on the medieval Sallet and chosen because it provided good protection for the head and neck. So all of this makes me question the design choice for the British Brodie helmet. It was based on medieval kettle hats and was chosen to provide protection to the head and shoulders from vertically falling shrapnel. Yet the design didn't offer protection to the lower part of the head and neck.
Now I understand the British chose the Brodie mainly for financial reasons because it could be manufactured by stamping a single piece of metal wear as the Germans had to make Stahlhelms using a more complex process.
What I'd like to know is what specific reasons went into the decision of choosing the Brodie. Would manufacturing a more complex design really have put too much of a strain on the Allied war effort?
If it was up to me I would have combated the Stalhelm design by having the British choose a metal helmet shaped some what like the pith helmets used during the Anglo-Zulu war since it provided cover to the neck and brow similar to the Stalhelm.
Now I understand the British chose the Brodie mainly for financial reasons because it could be manufactured by stamping a single piece of metal wear as the Germans had to make Stahlhelms using a more complex process.
What I'd like to know is what specific reasons went into the decision of choosing the Brodie. Would manufacturing a more complex design really have put too much of a strain on the Allied war effort?
If it was up to me I would have combated the Stalhelm design by having the British choose a metal helmet shaped some what like the pith helmets used during the Anglo-Zulu war since it provided cover to the neck and brow similar to the Stalhelm.