In 1914, at the beginning of the First World War, body armor was not found on the battlefield. Not until October 1915 were British soldiers issued that most basic piece of equipment, the steel helmet. Even then, the number of helmets given out was so restricted that soldiers wore them in rotation, as they marched to the front line.

In 1915 the British Army Design introduced the Dayfield body shield, a canvas jacket with layered metal plates.



