Canadian RAC Mk I Steel Helmet – Trooper A. L. Davis ‘5th CAD’

Original WWII Canadian-Issued RAC Mk I Steel Helmet Named to Trooper A. L. Davis. This RAC Mk I steel helmet was discovered in the Netherlands many years ago and is named to Trooper Albert Lance Davis, service number B-63093, from Toronto. Davis enlisted on 21 July 1942 and was later transferred to the Headquarters of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division on 17 June 1943. He served overseas for a total of 36 months, seeing action in both Italy and North-West Europe. His wartime service earned him the Italy Star, France & Germany Star, 1939–1945 Star, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp. Trooper Davis disembarked in Italy on 16 May 1944, and in August 1944 he was taken on strength of the 5th Canadian Armoured Brigade, part of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division. He later disembarked in France on 23 February 1945, continuing the advance through North-West Europe and taking part in the liberation of the Netherlands.

The helmet itself remains in good, original condition, retaining its first-layer factory paint and untouched liner. It was manufactured by BMB, dated 1943, and is size 7. As with all RAC helmets, it was made in the UK and issued to Canadian troops overseas, as Canada did not produce these helmets domestically.

A very nice, untouched example, the helmet comes complete with Trooper Davis’s 24-page service records. There is still much to research and discover about his service!