The Brodie helmet was devised by engineer John Leopold Brodie in 1915 to address the need for better head protection in World War I trenches. Its simple yet effective steel design with a wide brim offered protection against shrapnel and debris. Quickly adopted by British and Commonwealth forces, it became emblematic of the era's warfare. Despite subsequent iterations, the Brodie helmet remained in use through to World War II. Its legacy endures, symbolizing the resilience of soldiers in the face of adversity during both conflicts.