Gildwiller1918

Here is a early pattern Dayfield, from 1916, the so-called heavy model. It included a neck guard as well. (photo source, internet)

The British also had the Dayfield Shields, of which several variants were made. They mainly consisted of manganese alloy plates linked together, wrapped in a canvas carrying sheath. The first picture shows the armor without the sheath. The second photo shows the khaki colored cloth sheath. From what I could find, over 20,000 sets were in use as of October 1917 in France. (photo source, internet)

One of the first types of armor available to British forces was the so called Franco-British pattern as it was made in France and sold to the British. It was a flexible pattern of plates linked together and was made to worn under the tunic. It was relatively lightweight and offered protection from low velocity shrapnel and splinters. Against rifle and pistol fire, it was next to useless. It had one third the strength of the standard British steel helmet. Although it offered little real protection, it sold fairly well among the ranks. (photo source, internet)

Here is the US model 2 experimental helmet, designed in the summer of 1917. The crest had a ridge that was thought to better deflect incoming fire and was based upon classical Greek and Italian designs. It was very comfortable to wear and well balanced, the only downside it seems was that it was difficult to manufacture. Several companies tried to make these helmets, but the dies and metal used produced many defects. Only a few thousand were produced in the fall of 1918. (photo source, internet)

Here is the US model 9 experimental helmet, designed for machine gunners. No ballistics tests were done, however a second model was theorized to make it impenetrable to bullets, however the weight was expected to be over 20 pounds! (photo source, internet)

US experimental model number 6, this model was designed to be tilted forward as needed to protect the face, however this caused balancing issues. No in depth testing was done and the project was scrapped. (photo source, internet)

US model 8 experimental helmet, made by the Ford motor company, which produced about 1,300 specimens. It weighed 3 pounds, 10 ounces and offered good protection while allowed good visibility and movement. These helmets were made towards the end of the war and never saw service. (photo source, internet)

Here is the US model number 7 sentinel helmet. It was designed to be worn in areas where heavy activity was to be expected and for short periods only. It was designed from 15th century helmets, and very much looked the part. A few were sent to France for trials and they proved successful in stopping rifle fire, but were considered too heavy. I can't imagine the headache one would have after a bullet striking that. (photo source, internet)

Here are the shin guards, the M1917 model. Records show that about 35,000 sets of these were made for the troops, these sets weighed 12 ounces. The protection offered was deemed insufficient to the extra weight carried by the troops and no real field trials were conducted. Most if not all of these were made overseas, mainly in France. (photo source, internet)

Here is what the US military envisioned their forces equipped with state of the art personal body armor and unique model number 5 helmet. The chest and back armor had plates that were linked together to allow for decent movement. The arms were completed enveloped on the outside, and there was also a knee and shin version as well. The helmet was from a series of experimental models starting at number 1 and going to 15. The Liberty bell version (there were 3 variants of this as well) was the only one that was produced in decent numbers, but was not liked by the troops and it was withdrawn from service. second image shows the armor minus the gear.

Nice close up of an Austrian NCO, his tresse and stars indicate a rank of Stabsfeldwebel, or possibly a Stabsfeuerwerker, it is hard to tell as the colored background of the collar patches dictate what the rank name was. For example if it is red it would be Stabsfeuerwerker. If dark red it would be Stabsfeldwebel or Stabswachtmeister. Regardless, of the rank, he has been decorated with the Iron Cross 2nd class, and what looks like the Tapferkeits Medaille which was a medal awarded to NCO's for bravery, and the second one I cannot tell. Nice view of the Austrian belt buckle as well.

Here is a nice photo of Austrian troops manning a Schwarzlose MG 07/15 heavy machine gun. This was the main heavy machine gun for the Austro-Hungarians during the war, although they used many other types. The cloth ammo belts typically held 250 rounds.

Hello swampygibbo, Welcome to the forum. First of all, the helmet is a British make, not a US one. The easiest way to tell is look how the bales that held the chinstrap. The British types used a split pin as shown in your photo. The US types used a rivet (see image below). I can see a heat stamp on the out rim, this is on the underside. Can you provide some close ups? If we can read this stamp, it's possible we can tell you more information.

I wonder how accurate the fire was from the side car? Most likely just used for suppression firing.

Here is a video clip of the fuse pulling vest in action. 1080p.mp4