Blind

Protective face mask for British tank drivers worn during World War I, 1917 c.
The metal eye shields and the chainmail, resembling those of a medieval battle gear, were used to protect the driver when he stuck his head out of the armoured vehicle to better spot the targets, subsequently exposing himself to the shell splinters coming from the battlefield. The level of protection granted by the mask proved inadequate, as confirmed by the extremely high death rate recorded among the soldiers riding the tanks during the war.