"Buried where he fell..."

P

peter h

New member
http://www.theage.com.au/national/buried-where-he-fell--the-digger-who-went-down-fighting-20080820-3ywk.html

However this soldier, probably aged between 16 and 24 was found carrying his entire battle kit, down to medicines with full vials of iodine.

Most significantly, in his backpack was a German spiked leather helmet known as a "pickelhauve", a highly prized battlefield memento.

The reason he carried it is unknown but it would have contributed to the already considerable weight he had to carry into battle. Australian military historian Mat McLachlan who was with the archaeological team that made the discovery said the soldier appeared to have been covered with earth almost immediately after he fell...
Click to expand...

How much would a pickelhauve(sic) weigh?What a silly comment.

"..the reason he carried it is unknown.." ,try souvenir!
 
Hey Peter,
You must remember that this report was written by a news reporter, and they are required to understand the subject even less than a jury member in order to get the job.
Gus
 
Interesting article but you have to marvel at the colorful prose! When they finish the investigation, considering that they have his dog tag, this could be a considerable moment for the family.
 
I was away when this was posted. The young soldier could have been buried during a bombardment. My Great Uncle was an ANZAC at Messines Ridge. Him & three others were buried during a bombardment on June 8, 1917. They were dug out afterwards but ofcoarse all 4 had perished.

A link to that thread:

http://www.pickelhaubes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=18306&highlight=#18306

Geo
 
The fact he had a hauben may mean he had just aquired it. Interesting that the Aussies issued Aluminum ID disc's .
Mark
 
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