This summer I bought this British Foreign Service Helmet. It came with the tin as well, which noted the owners name: Major C. Venables-Llewelyn of the Glamorgan Imperial Yeomanry. With help of a friend I was able to track down that this officer was Sir Charles Venables-Llewelyn. He was a territorial, or volunteer. He served in World War I, rising to the rank of Colonel. His eldest son died in the war as well in 1917.

I did some digging and I found out that Sir Charles other son was actually a Brigadier in the First World War. Both Sir Charles and his son held the office of Lord-Lieutenant of Radnorshire, which has since been merged with the office of Lord-Lieutenant of Powys. Well, turns out the current Lord-Lieutenant is Sir John Venables-Llewleyn.

I was able to contact Sir John, who was kind enough to send me a few photos.

The helmet:

The Tin

The photo of Sir Charles in his uniform. Now doesn't that look like the same helmet?

The helmet... I should note that the top of my helmet does show the outline of a spike base. The Yeomanry wore spikes on their helmets when on parade.

Wow.
The history on that piece is beyond words.
Very cool. Must have a special place on your shelf.

Peter, nice helmet! Been wondering what it looked like! Nice history is a fine bonus!

Great history and a nice helmet, Peter.
Congrats.

I saw this on the Business Review interview you did. Outstanding piece of British militaria !

Mike