One of two protective face masks, steel, with padded edges, canvas straps, possibly British, 1915.

Bright flashes from bombs and the splinters of wood and metal scattered by explosions could cause eye injuries and blindness. This face protector, with its narrow slits so the soldier could still see, was an attempt to protect the wearer from such harm. It is thought that these face masks were worn by British Army truck drivers during the First World War and were first issued in 1915.