Chemico Body Shield

[Dave_Kent]

Hello:

I came across a reference to the Chemico Body Shield. Some form of "bullet-proof" jacket made of kapok, which was available to the British. The writer had 2 concerns, its cost and whether it actually worked.

Can anyone give me more information on this item, maybe a picture? I found little through Google. How expensive was it, relative to the times? How well did it work? Are any known to have been used in the RFC / RNAS / RAF? Were similar items available to the French, Germans etc. ?

Thanks

Dave

[GWRCo]

Hi Dave,
just seen yr requst for info for the above item, i have some drawings (taken at the time) of this particular piece of body armour which i will dig out and scan to u tomorrow. The body armour of the period was well intended, but was practically useless, many claims were made by the 'inventors' that they could do this n that, but at trials, they were found to be very shortcoming in what they claimed!

A particular one was the small square pieces of metal (fishscales) sewn onto a vest which was light in weight for the time but an absolute ton today and was put over the head and fastened at the sides. RAMC reports at the time showed that when hit, they actually did more damage to the wearer!

These items were private purchase, and of course, most OR's wouldn't have been able to buy one themselves, but were widely advertised in newspapers/magazines, etc. The infantry used the captured german body armour, which was thoroughly tested, and was found to be far superior!

There are stories of aircrews aquiring 'brodie' steel helmets (issue ones as well as private purchase ones) and either strapping them to the seats or sitting on them for protection - if u try sitting on a combat helmet longer than 10 minutes, you'll know what i mean. I think at the time, they thought that they would be protected by the likes of the Chemico body armour, but i have yet to see any photos of aircrews wearing them/carrying them. If worn, they would probably have been underneath all the clothing. If i remember correctly, this particular armour was collapsable, and could be fitted into a khaki canvas satchel type bag a bit bigger than the issue anti gas PH hood bag.

Hope this helps a bit.

[Dave_Kent]

Hello:

Ibfo from our friends on the 1914-1918 Forum


http://www.1914-1918.org/forum/index.php?s...?showtopic=5238


Dave

[tamerlane]

I believe Madonna wore one of these vests on a recent U.S. tour. It made a stunning fashion statement, but failed to protect her from the barbs of music critics.