Helmet; London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB) shrapnel helmet, as issued to Road Spotters, 1939-1945

During the Second World War, London Transport introduced a system of 'road spotting'. Road spotters, who were usually employed by the Civil Defence Authority, patrolled the streets looking for bomb damage that could affect transport services. Their findings could then be reported to bus drivers and conductors so they would know which areas of London to avoid on their routes. This shrapnel helmet would have been issued to and worn by road spotters. Made of steel, it has four white hand-painted stripes, probably to make the wearer more visible at night.