Description
Physical description
Standard MK1 British steel helmet. A badge is painted on the front that consists of vertical bands of red, blue, white, blue and red. The helmet has a lining and leather chin strap.
Label
British Army issue steel helmet associated with the First World War service of Private William Henry Short (VC), in the 8th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own). Private Short won a posthumous Victoria Cross on 6 August 1916 at Munster Alley, during the Battle of the Somme, France. He was foremost in the attack, bombing the enemy with great gallantry, when he was wounded in the foot. Though urged to go back, he refused, and continued to throw bombs. Later his leg was shattered by a shell and he was unable to stand, so he lay in the trench, adjusting detonators and straightening the pins for bombs for the other men to throw. Private Short died before he could be carried out of the trench. He is buried at Contalmaison Chateau Cemetery. William Short (1887-1916) was born at Eston, near Middlesbrough and had been a keen sportsman before joining the Army.
History note
This helmet is associated with Private William Henry Short, who was awarded the Victoria Cross (posthumously) whilst serving with the 8th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment for actions at Contalmaison (Somme), France.
Born 1887 in Eston, near Middlesborough, on 6th September 1916 Short was foremost in the attack, bombing, when he was wounded in the foot. Urged to retire, he refused, and continued to attack with grenades. Later his leg was shattered by a shell and was unable to stand, but remained in a trench, adjusting detonators and straightening pins of grenades for other men to throw. He died before being evacuated from the trench.