Helmet Authenticity: 1917 or Brodie?

[aavery.62]

Hello folks! I'm new to both WWI reenacting and this forum, done a bit of WWII and a LOT of French and Indian though, so here I go with the ever-constant search for information!

Anyhow, I have heard that some US units in WWI wore a Brodie helmet instead of a US 1917 pattern. Can anyone help confirm or deny that? I'm looking to do an impression of a 33rd ID infantryman.

Thanks!

[oskar2ndchev]

It's very possible that it happened BUT in looking at their campaign record, most likely a US 1917 pattern. Unless you can document the "exception", it's best to go with the norm, it just reads better. But that's just after doing this for awhile. :-)

[Deleted]

Here's an original on ebay, claimed to be a 33rd ID helmet with insignia- it's a m1917

www.ebay.com/itm/Orig-WW-I-US-Doughboy-Helmet-w-Orig-Liner-33rd-Div-Painted-Insignia-G-VGC-/181233620197

[oskar2ndchev]

And just a side note, the painted on unit insignia thing is a post-Armistice thing. Not something that was used during active operations.

[Deleted]

You are correct sir !

[joesweeney]

The possibility of the 33rd receiving Brit helmets might have been very good.

The first 400,000 Helmets issued to US forces were British.

Also the 33rd Div was part of the 10 Division scheme.

The equipping of US divisions by the British Army was a serious matter. It initially came into play with what would be called the 6 Division plan, later 10 Divisions actually fell under it. The agreement basically stated that Britain would supply enough shipping for 6 (later 10) complete US divisions if these served on the British front. Eventually the 77th, 82d, 35th, 28th, 4th, 30th, 27th, 33d, 78th, and 80th US Divisions all were part of this scheme and received SMLE’s at one point or another. The US 37th, 91st and 92 Division was not part of this plan but served in the British sector for a time.

The 33rd Div (US) was sent to the Hallencourt area to train. The were trained by the British 30th Division (1 BDE cadre with training staffs from 4 battalions)

Their training was divided as such:
Period A Preliminary training out of the line.
Period B Attachment to British troops in the line.
Period C Advanced training by regiments in a back area.


It is in the 33rds B period training that four companies of the 33d Division supported an Australian attack on Hamel.

They were used without AEF Permission.

This effort did not work. As most of the US Divisions were withdrawn from the British sector long before the training was completed due to various reasons e.g, real world contingencies, US complaints the British troops assigned to train in phase A (B1 Divisions) were sub standard and battle fatigued, and the use of US troops with out US permission (Hamel incident etc.)

All the Divisions of this scheme were supplied by the British while under training (SMLE, Lewis guns etc) and/or if they stayed on the British front.

Joe Sweeney

[Deleted]

So, brodies initially and M1917 after about Jan 1918 from what I've read. You probably could have either in the same unit with replacements being issued US helmets. Photos can reveal the type worn if you can find them of your unit, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference, but some photos show either one pretty distinctly.

Here's a good site with 33rd ID pics- I see both in use

www.33rdinfantrydivision.org/photos.htm

I think you should buy both to be safe

[aavery.62]

Thanks very much everyone! I went ahead and ordered a 1917 for now, but down the way as I start to refine my impression I may add a Brodie just so I can show some differences and variation during the progression of the war.