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David Glover from the Halifax Antiquarian Society made a claim that Alfred Bates, who ran a steel works in Reservoir Road, Halifax should be credited as the designer of the famous Tommies’ ‘Tin Helmet’.

An article in the Halifax Courier in 1919 stated that Alfred Bates was the designer of these helmets.

The story was in circulation amongst many newspapers at the time of Bates’ death. Curiously it then seems to fade from the records. However these hats are universally known as Brodie’s helmets because of two patents taken out by entrepreneur John Leopold Brodie in 1915 and 1916.

The lining within those helmets also bore the name of John Leopold Brodie.

David Glover argued that the shape of the helmet that Bates designed was based on the shape of a lantern at the time that Bates also designed.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Leeds set up a mock court room scene to hear the arguments for both Bates and Brodie. In this audio piece, the role of David Glover is taken by David Millichope, from the Halifax Great War Heritage Society.

The conclusion was that both men played an important role in inventing this important piece of kit but the case remains open.

Location: Pellon Wors, Reservoir Road, Halifax HX1 4TZ
Image of Alfred Bates’ designed lamp, courtesy of Halifax Chamber of Commerce

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