what's up with this picture?

[Jan B]

While sniffling last night in Ivor Matanle's ' 'Second World War', I found this picture of exhausted german soldiers resting during their retreat at the eastern front...not exactly knowing when it was taken, I think its around september 43 based on the description given by the author.

Now, what seems to be so special about this photo? ( posting it here in the headgear-section, should help alot )


Cheers

Jan

[McCulloh]

I'd guess the M-16 helmet held by the Landser down in the right hand corner.

[Jan B]

I'd guess the M-16 helmet held by the Landser down in the right hand corner.

Yes indeed, not that difficult hé...although I think it's a Mod18.

Anyway, WW1 helmets in general used by combattroops mid-1943 is rather an execption,no? I thought that at a certain point these helmets were withdrawn from first line units?

Cheers

Jan

[Ty Smith]

Probably was the exception. Although, I have a vet aquired M-16 with 1931 dated liner that was picked up at Normandy in June 1944. The vet was in an anti-aircraft unit that switched responsiblities to grave duty for german soldiers. Here is a picture of the helmet, notice the painted over decal with thick textured paint.

[Edelweiss]

A M18, Jan is right. But what's very unusual is to see "alter Art" helmets worn by such troopers and above all, at that date ; it's a very interesting pic.

It's far more common to see them issued to second line / static units, as it was the case on the Atlantikwall, and especially (I mean often) to foreign voluteers.

This lid (a brother of Ty's) was posted before - sorry for those who already saw it - but this time, I managed to take new pics with the small hand-made camoflaging device it was wearing when it was found near Portbail (Normandy) a few years ago ; I think it was made with a gas mask strap and its wear caused some obviouses damages to the decals...

[Edelweiss]

Or perhaps with remains of his girlfriend's garters... A third hook is at the rear.

[Ty Smith]

Chris, you are holding out on us. That is a nice lid. Do you REALLY need two double decal Heer helmets ?

[Edelweiss]

Well, as much as some need several WSS lids.
Still missing another DD by the way : a WH DD M40 ...

[Jan B]

A M18, Jan is right. But what's very unusual is to see "alter Art" helmets worn by such troopers and above all, at that date ; it's a very interesting pic.

It's far more common to see them issued to second line / static units, as it was the case on the Atlantikwall, and especially (I mean often) to foreign voluteers.

That's what I wanted to hear! Thanks for confirmation...

By the way,Ty and Chris ; GREAT helmets!

Chris, can you post a picture of the inside please?

Cheers

Jan

[Edelweiss]

All right, Monsieur Jan. But may I remind you the fact that you're asking me this EACH time I post this helmet ?

Well it happened only twice, I admit... and with the strap, you surely didn't recognise it. So, OK for this time !
Tss, tsss, tss ; always sad when this happens so young...

[Jan B]

I couldn't find the old thread again in which you showed this already...and indeed, first I thought this was another one because of the strap...neat lid anyway! Looks like the liner has been treated.

ps:my memory is still good, but I get very tired sometimes, which is as bad...

Cheers


Jan