World War I body armour was never standard issue

Follow Us

In 1914, at the beginning of the First World War, body armour was not found on the battlefield. Not until October 1915 were British soldiers issued that most basic piece of equipment, the steel helmet. Even then, the number of helmets given out was so restricted that soldiers wore them in rotation, as they marched to the front line.

In 1915 the British Army Design introduced the Dayfield body shield, a canvas jacket with layered metal plates.

In late 1916, the German army introduced "Lobster" armour made of nickel and silicon plates

Both sides made use of captured enemy armour.

Although body armour was manufactured commercially, it never became universally issued at that time. Often it was bought and paid for by a soldier's family. Read more...

More about Photography, Features, War, History, and Us World