Photo of 2nd model tropenhelm in Afrika '41 ?

[Tim O'Keefe]

Here are a couple photo's from an awards ceremony at Ft Capuzzo, April 22 '41 that has many different sunhelmets shown including Italian & 1st patterns & (possibly a 2nd pattern ?) as well as Dutch, South African and British, all being used by the Germans. According to DAK collectors the word has it that the 2nd pattern was never worn by the DAK, but there are examples dated '41 so it would seem that the 2nd model could have made it to Afrika ? Does this photo confirm this ?

Here is another photo from the same event, and it is Rommel being presented with the Italian Medal for Bravery, by General Garibaldi.

[GAMS1]

I'm not sure that we are looking for a 2nd model in felt ? Hard to determine ...
So early also ?
Nick

[Jos L C]

Picture shows a 6 panel pith helmet IMO.

Jos.

[Adam S.]

Picture shows a 6 panel pith helmet IMO.

Jos.

Have to agree.

[Tim O'Keefe]

I'm not sure that we are looking for a 2nd model in felt ? Hard to determine ...
So early also ?
Nick

Hi Nick

Thanks for reply, Yes looking for a 2nd model felt pith worn in Afrika, ever seen one ? Hard to tell from this photo but thought it had a chance ? Originally this photo was thought to be from '43 but the details did not match up. Then found the other photo that confirmed the time & location and thought it was maybe just to early ?

Have seen quite a few 2nd models dated '41, just no evidence that they made it earlier to Afrika ? The 2nd & 3rd model tropical tunics did make it to Afrika at least by late Nov '42 so why not the felt sunhelmets ? Have seen a few felt piths among all the stahlhelms in the piles of discarded helmets at the final surrender in Afrika...

& on an unrelated subject, were there any 2nd model piths found in the Prague depot area, or were they all cloth 1st patterns ?

[Tim O'Keefe]

Picture shows a 6 panel pith helmet IMO.

Jos.

Thanks Jos for your thoughts, the leather band around the edge of the brim and overall shape of the dome are what made me think it could be the felt version. The 2nd pattern helmet appears more square in photos compared to the rounder appearance of the 1st pattern. Appreciate your knowledge

[Tim O'Keefe]

Have to agree.

Thanks Adam,

Its a great photo with all the different sunhelmets and tunics too. The Panzer IIIh's are from the 15th Pz Div which had just arrived at the front, most of the crews were wearing the Dutch/SA sunhelmets captured in Holland in 1940.

Will have to keep looking for any evidence that the felt version arrived earlier.