Fledpost Number 06805. H. Hellmuth

[testure]

Gents,

I have quite a personal item in my collection namely a M38 gaskmask with straps and an FE37 filter. Both the straps and filter have what I presumed to be the owners name and number -

H. Hellmuth. FPN. 06805.

I politely contacted the Deutsches Dienststelle to enquire has to whether they had any information, such as what unit the owner was in, where he was located, was he alive etc. whilst stressing that I was not a relative and there was no urgency. Shortly after the DD wrote back to me and politely said they had no information. I can only praise their hard efforts for what they do and that they even had the time to write such a nice letter back to me even though I was an Englishmen enquiring and not a family relative.

So, I was wondering whether anyone else had any information on H. Hellmuth and if not, where I might try searching? Pictures of the item can be found here for your interest -

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/graham..../gas_mask.html

Many thanks,
Simon

http://www.gd-uk.org

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Simon, here are the details for the number:

06805

(28.4.1940-14.9.1940) 7. Kompanie Marine-Artillerie-Abteilung 202,
(12.7.1941-26.1.1942) 2. Batterie Marine-Artillerie-Abteilung 202,
(15.7.1942-24.1.1943) 2. u. 3. Batterie Marine-Artillerie-Abteilung 202,
(7.11.1944-Kriegsende) 4.17.1944 7. u. 8. Batterie Marine-Artillerie-Abteilung 205.

Cheers, Ade.

[testure]

Ade,

Many thanks for that information! Was the Marine Artillerie Abteilung a Naval coastal artillery unit attached to the Army? I have read that it saw service in 1944 during the Battle of the Scheldt in the Battle of Walcheren in Holland and Hellmuth's company was based at either Nieuve Sluis or Renesse with four 152mm guns or four 120mm guns per company.

The Marine Artillerie Abteilung 205 was Formed 5.40 for Hoek van Holland with 5 companies. In 1944 had 8 batteries. It was subordinated to Marine-Artillerie-Regiment 21, 6.40 Seekdt. Südholland and from 11.44 Seekdt. Mittelholland.

Does anyone know how I might find out more, perhaps Hellmuth's rank? Or is this impossible to tell?

Best,
Simon

P.S. Are you with the 2nd Guards at Twinwoods?

http://www.gd-uk.org

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Simon, sorry I cannot help you with any extra info. Not really my subject.

This coming Bank holiday weekend 2nd Guards will be at Detling. We have not done Twinwoods since 2005. You might recognise me from my pic in my profile? We might be doing an event with your guys at the Victory show in Sept.

Cheers, Ade.