Uncategorised Police Riot Helmet, c. 1926

[Robin Lumsden]

Anyone else seen one of these badged up to the police??

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/57174-rare/

[NickLangley]

Quite possible that a force would have made ad hoc riot equipment arrangments in the run-up to the General Strike. At that time there was none of the squeamishness about the use or threat of force that there is today.

After the 1950s "race riots" in the St Ann's area of Nottingham - where fire hoses were used to break up crowds - the local police acquired a secret stockpile of colonial riot kit on a just in case basis. The Home Office went ape when they found out and ordered the equipment be withdrawn.

[Robin Lumsden]

Thanks Nick.