Anthony Charles
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Anthony C. Meldahl: Ersatz Spike Helmet Article Part 14.
Document I found in Munich 1989. I spent 2 weeks in this archive.
Translation by Anthony C. Meldahl:
(ACM Doc #14.0.).Bayer.2.Inf.Bde zu GKVv.23.3.15 Nr.24834 BayHStA. Abt. IV M Kr 5103.
From: Bavarian 2nd Infantry Brigade
Munich
March 30, 1915
To: (Stellvertrettende Generalkommando) I. Bavarian Army Corps
Reference: G.V.K. v. 23.3.15. Nr. 24834
Subject: Helmets
The replacement depot troops in our brigade have been wearing both the felt and tin ersatz spike helmets but they are not in agreement about the results of these wear trials.
The feedback reports from them are shown in the following comments:
a) Black enamel painted tin spike helmets. The shape is not practical. The front and rear visors are too flexible and too long. The thick felt insert inside the liner, which is necessary so that the wearer doesn’t feel the hard metal pressing against his head makes the helmet too loose. The metal body of the helmet conducts heat, In order to keep the weight of the helmet down the metal is thin, so thin that it does not protect adequately when it is dropped or struck.
b) B0 The gray metal metal helmet, used in extensive wear trials by the replacement depot battalion of the Bavarian 2nd Infantry Regiment, and they have found the gray helmet is superior to the other two models of helmets. This helmet die to its sharp appearance and light weight has proven to be superior for wear and perhaps it is due to the lighter gray color that they do not conduct heat and get hot like the other models do.
On the other hand the following problems have been encountered: the helmet doesn’t fit well, although less so than the other models, this helmet still conducts heat and gets hot. The enamel paint, especially where the chin strap rubs on it , get scratched and rust forms quickly on these exposed places. The chinstrap easily comes loose from the side posts and falls off, especially when the soldier drops to a prone position or when he takes a firing position. Also this helmet provides no protection against falls, or being hit or when it bangs against something.
The last problem could be overcome if the metal helmet body was a bit thicker but not enough for a significant increase in weight..
c) The troops of the replacement depot battalion who experienced problems with the metal helmets have said that the felt spike helmets have a much better fit.
Unanimously all of the troops say that the felt helmets have the following disadvantages: when it rains or the weather is muggy, the felt helmets get wet and become heavy. They soak up water , get wet and stretch out so they become too large and don’t fit. They don’t dry out well and then stretch out and end up too large and no longer fit. They don’t dry out well, they provide little protection and the durability of these helmets is doubtful.
Document I found in Munich 1989. I spent 2 weeks in this archive.
Translation by Anthony C. Meldahl:
(ACM Doc #14.0.).Bayer.2.Inf.Bde zu GKVv.23.3.15 Nr.24834 BayHStA. Abt. IV M Kr 5103.
From: Bavarian 2nd Infantry Brigade
Munich
March 30, 1915
To: (Stellvertrettende Generalkommando) I. Bavarian Army Corps
Reference: G.V.K. v. 23.3.15. Nr. 24834
Subject: Helmets
The replacement depot troops in our brigade have been wearing both the felt and tin ersatz spike helmets but they are not in agreement about the results of these wear trials.
The feedback reports from them are shown in the following comments:
a) Black enamel painted tin spike helmets. The shape is not practical. The front and rear visors are too flexible and too long. The thick felt insert inside the liner, which is necessary so that the wearer doesn’t feel the hard metal pressing against his head makes the helmet too loose. The metal body of the helmet conducts heat, In order to keep the weight of the helmet down the metal is thin, so thin that it does not protect adequately when it is dropped or struck.
b) B0 The gray metal metal helmet, used in extensive wear trials by the replacement depot battalion of the Bavarian 2nd Infantry Regiment, and they have found the gray helmet is superior to the other two models of helmets. This helmet die to its sharp appearance and light weight has proven to be superior for wear and perhaps it is due to the lighter gray color that they do not conduct heat and get hot like the other models do.
On the other hand the following problems have been encountered: the helmet doesn’t fit well, although less so than the other models, this helmet still conducts heat and gets hot. The enamel paint, especially where the chin strap rubs on it , get scratched and rust forms quickly on these exposed places. The chinstrap easily comes loose from the side posts and falls off, especially when the soldier drops to a prone position or when he takes a firing position. Also this helmet provides no protection against falls, or being hit or when it bangs against something.
The last problem could be overcome if the metal helmet body was a bit thicker but not enough for a significant increase in weight..
c) The troops of the replacement depot battalion who experienced problems with the metal helmets have said that the felt spike helmets have a much better fit.
Unanimously all of the troops say that the felt helmets have the following disadvantages: when it rains or the weather is muggy, the felt helmets get wet and become heavy. They soak up water , get wet and stretch out so they become too large and don’t fit. They don’t dry out well and then stretch out and end up too large and no longer fit. They don’t dry out well, they provide little protection and the durability of these helmets is doubtful.