Where did the German soldier carry there helmets?,

[Ostfries]

On this head you will say, I’m always told that there is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid answers, so I state my question here. When on manoeuvre and wearing there overseas or M43 field cap where would German soldiers carry there helmets?, there are not much period pictures where you can see where the helmet has “gone” and on those pictures I encountered they seem to wear them on there belt or Y strap, could someone enlighten me in this matter?, thanks in advance.

[pzrwest]

any pictures I've ever seen when they weren't wearing their helmets just bare headed or wearing their fieldcaps they had them hanging over their ammo pouches by the chinstrap

[Ostfries]

backpack?,

any pictures I've ever seen when they weren't wearing their helmets just bare headed or wearing their fieldcaps they had them hanging over their ammo pouches by the chinstrap

Thanks for responding, I know what you mean, just like these two Luftwaffe men, see picture, but was that common practice or did they also carry them in a different way?, perhaps strapped to there backpack?.

[Admiraal]

A helmet slung over a k98k pouch like that will fall of easy when running or something.
I wouldn't be supprised if they strapped it to a backpack, Y-strap, etc.
Can't recal having seen any pictures with strapped helmets, i'll look into some pictures i got on my pc in a few min. maybe i'll find some.

[DonR]

I would guess the helmet strap is not looped over the ammo pouch, but actually inserted into the Y-strap clip that the pouch is attached to.

DonR

[organix]

chin strap fastened to the belt

[Ostfries]

pictures?,

Can't recal having seen any pictures with strapped helmets, i'll look into some pictures i got on my pc in a few min. maybe i'll find some.

Me neither Rick, that’s way I asked this question, would be great if you could come up with some additional period pictures.

[Abzeichen]

Hanging the Stahlhelm

This is one good thing about reenacting, it does give you an idea of the practicality of theory.

First, the question presumes you are on foot. if you have a vehicle, then you stash it in there. otherwise, for us ground-pounders you have to hump it.

I usually hang my helmet on the Y strap clip that hooks on your ammo pouch D ring. Typically you are marching when in your helmet is off. The only time you are running is when you have your helmet on and you have a weapon in your hand (eg getting in formation or in combat).

I have also seen photos of Germans with helmets slung over their bayonet handle. The important thing is you want it handy. If you attach it to your backpack, then you are traveling. You do not have time to take your backpack off and get your helmet in battle. You don't carry a back pack into battle anyway.

[Ostfries]

chinstrap,

This is one good thing about reenacting, it does give you an idea of the practicality of theory.

First, the question presumes you are on foot. if you have a vehicle, then you stash it in there. otherwise, for us ground-pounders you have to hump it.

I usually hang my helmet on the Y strap clip that hooks on your ammo pouch D ring. Typically you are marching when in your helmet is off. The only time you are running is when you have your helmet on and you have a weapon in your hand (eg getting in formation or in combat).

I have also seen photos of Germans with helmets slung over their bayonet handle. The important thing is you want it handy. If you attach it to your backpack, then you are traveling. You do not have time to take your backpack off and get your helmet in battle. You don't carry a back pack into battle anyway.

Thanks for the additional information, re-enactment is indeed a good reflection on how the regular WWII soldier carried there equipment, do you perhaps have any re-enactment pictures of your self or group on which will show the wear of the helmet to the Y strap hooks. I’m just afraid to put my helmets on the mannequin that way because of the possibility that one of my original chinstraps will snap, in that way I’m thinking on hanging them on a thin iron wire just along the chinstrap so that they won’t hang on the chinstrap itself.

[Abzeichen]

Helmets

Thanks for the additional information, re-enactment is indeed a good reflection on how the regular WWII soldier carried there equipment, do you perhaps have any re-enactment pictures of your self or group on which will show the wear of the helmet to the Y strap hooks. I’m just afraid to put my helmets on the mannequin that way because of the possibility that one of my original chinstraps will snap, in that way I’m thinking on hanging them on a thin iron wire just along the chinstrap so that they won’t hang on the chinstrap itself.

I have to update my membership so I can post pictures. I will look for some. There are some great pictures in the book Rueckmarsh, then and now.

I think that is a good idea to use wire to support the helmet. I usually just have my mannequins wear the helmet. That is alot of stress on a 60+ year old strap.

Oskar

[merdock]

Hi,
Iv'e had 2 helmets over the years with make**** hangers attached one had a d/ring strap fastened to the rear bolt and the other which i still have has a metal ring attached to one of the stap hangers.not the best picture but you get the drift.
Merdock

[Ostfries]

I get the drift,

Thank you both for your reply, @ Oskar, if you want I can post some pictures for you, just PM me your e-mail address and I will send you mine, @ Merdock, thanks for the tip, I get the drift and will see what’s best to hang the helmet on the Y strap hook.

[Abzeichen]

D ring

Hi,
Iv'e had 2 helmets over the years with make**** hangers attached one had a d/ring strap fastened to the rear bolt and the other which i still have has a metal ring attached to one of the stap hangers.not the best picture but you get the drift.
Merdock

Yes, I have seen helmets with D rings or dagger hangers attached with a leather strap to the liner band. Sometimes, I see a leather band around the outside of a helmet with a hook or dagger hanger hanging from it on a strap. I think this may have bee used by vehicle owners.