Anthony Charles
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Anthony C. Meldahl: Ersatz Spike Helmet Article Part 15
Document I found in Munich 1989. I spent 2 weeks in this archive.
Translation by Anthony C. Meldahl
(ACM Doc #15.0.).Bayer.General Kommando III Bay Army Corps 6.Apr 1915 BayHStA. Abt. IV M Kr 5103.
From: III Bavarian Army Corps K.H. Qu.
St. Benoit
April 6, 1915
To: Royal Bavarian Ministry of War
Reference: K.M.E. v. 18.3.1915 Nr. 25320
Subject: Helmets
1) The felt ersatz spike helmets when dry are light and fit well, however when it rains they easily absorb water and become heavy. After they dry out, which takes a lot of time, they become hard and the felt breaks easily. They also provide little protection against shell and stone fragments. In addition to that there is the problem posed when pieces of felt are torn loose by shell fragments and are driven into the wound, leading to infection and poor healing.
The tin spike helmets are quite heavy, fit poorly and cause pain and headaches
from the pressure they cause. On the other hand they provide good protection
against shell and rock splinters.
2) Tin helmets are preferable to felt helmets as a replacement for leather helmets. The tin spike helmets should be modified in a manner that will allow a comfortable fit. We desire that felt helmets some with a waterproof helmet cover.
F.d.G.K.
Document I found in Munich 1989. I spent 2 weeks in this archive.
Translation by Anthony C. Meldahl
(ACM Doc #15.0.).Bayer.General Kommando III Bay Army Corps 6.Apr 1915 BayHStA. Abt. IV M Kr 5103.
From: III Bavarian Army Corps K.H. Qu.
St. Benoit
April 6, 1915
To: Royal Bavarian Ministry of War
Reference: K.M.E. v. 18.3.1915 Nr. 25320
Subject: Helmets
1) The felt ersatz spike helmets when dry are light and fit well, however when it rains they easily absorb water and become heavy. After they dry out, which takes a lot of time, they become hard and the felt breaks easily. They also provide little protection against shell and stone fragments. In addition to that there is the problem posed when pieces of felt are torn loose by shell fragments and are driven into the wound, leading to infection and poor healing.
The tin spike helmets are quite heavy, fit poorly and cause pain and headaches
from the pressure they cause. On the other hand they provide good protection
against shell and rock splinters.
2) Tin helmets are preferable to felt helmets as a replacement for leather helmets. The tin spike helmets should be modified in a manner that will allow a comfortable fit. We desire that felt helmets some with a waterproof helmet cover.
F.d.G.K.