Canada, CEF. A Mark 2 Helmet named to Pte.McDonald R.C.R., Wounded at Lens 1917

British-made, in non-magnetic steel, with greenish-brown paint on the exterior and interior. The protective edge of the helmet in magnetic steel. It is stamped with the manufacturer's mark beside the steel batch number "145" on the underside of the helmet at the rear as well as the manufacture mark "FS". Inside, there is a steel-framed cradle supporting a blackened canvas liner with underlying burlap support and leather backer, backed by a padded liner in the dome. The leather chinstrap remains supple with only mild crazing, the magnetic metal buckle exhibiting surface rust, while the hardware on both sides also remains intact, each bracket held in place by dual prongs. Importantly, on the underside of the chinstrap, is hand written service number of 734049 Pte. McDonald in black ink. The helmet measures 295 mm in width x 308 mm in length x 120 mm in height, exhibiting contact marks and bubbling on the exterior, with surface rust and paint wear evident on both the exterior and the interior. As worn.

Footnote: James Edwin McDonald, born in Mapleton, Nova Scotia, enlisted in the 112th battalion on February 5th 1916. He would arrive in France as a member of the Royal Canadian Regiment and see action throughout 1917 including the Battle of Vimy Ridge. In the summer of 1917, with Canadians occupying and reinforcing the region around the city of Lens, Pte. McDonald received a shrapnel wound to the left knee. Below is the regimental account of August 31st, the date in which McDonald was wounded:

Advance parties went up to the support line to make a reconnaissance previous to going in on 1/2nd September, 1917. Weather whilst out in Brigade Reserve has been fine generally. Situation very much quieter since the Regiment came out of the front line, but both sides continue Artillery fire throughout the night. Companies all billeted in cellars of houses (all that remains of them). Fairly comfortable. Supply of water to the front line has been the big question since the Brigade came into the line, carrying parties, from Regiment in Brigade Reserve, carry water up every night in petrol tins. Always appears wise to have a large reserve supply of water and rations at Battalion Headquarters in our front line, owning to heavy Artillery fire of the previous days, Gas Shells and such like. Owing to recent attacks by CANADIANS on this front, enemy have been very nervous and it took very little to make him put down a barrage. At the beginning of the tour he usually put a barrage down at dusk and dawn. Orders to move into support line cancelled this P.M. The Battalion therefore remains in Brigade Reserve and continue to furnish working parties. 275 other ranks on working party. PARIS leave is being greatly appreciated by all ranks, about ten other ranks go down every ten or twelvew days. This helps out the leave very considerably, which before was practically at a standstill. Leave for the men appears to be a matter for deep consideration in the future. It is most essential that it should be kept going, failing this they should be sent to REST camp. The latter has recently been inaugurated and 1 Officer and ten other ranks go to a Rest Camp for two weeks. This has the desired effect and is a step in the right direction. A pity is cannot be run on a larger scale.2 other ranks wounded in action. 1 other rank died of wounds. 1 other rank evacuated to C.C.S. Captain C.G.B. THOMPSON, returned from leave.