Anthony Charles
New member
Anthony C. Meldahl, Ersatz Spike Helmet Article Part 16
Document I found in Munich 1989. I spent 2 weeks in this archive.
Translation by Anthony C. Meldahl
(ACM Doc #16.0.). General Kommando I. Bayer.A.K.12. Apr.1915 M Kr 5103.
From: Bavarian I. Army Corps
K.H.Qu. Peronne
April 12, 1915
To: The Royal Bavarian Ministry of War
Reference: Zu. K.M.E.vom 18. March 1915. Nr. 25320
Felt and tin ersatz helmets have not been in use long enough by the troops of the Bavarian I. Army Corps to make any final judgments on them.
Generally speaking past experiences show that felt helmets are preferable to the tin helmets. The former are light and comfortable to wear, since they conform to the head. Felt helmets provide adequate protection against the sun, but they soak up rain water and become heavy which hinders the ventilation needed to dry out and the helmet body loses its shape.
Although the tin helmets are durable, they are heavier and provide a poor fit to the head. Also they must be handled with care because even when they experience a minor bump they dent and thereafter they don’t fit right. Also after they are exposed to sunshine for longer periods of time the tin helmets get hot and uncomfortable. It might improve the helmet if the liner had a felt band inside it to provide better ventilation.
Document I found in Munich 1989. I spent 2 weeks in this archive.
Translation by Anthony C. Meldahl
(ACM Doc #16.0.). General Kommando I. Bayer.A.K.12. Apr.1915 M Kr 5103.
From: Bavarian I. Army Corps
K.H.Qu. Peronne
April 12, 1915
To: The Royal Bavarian Ministry of War
Reference: Zu. K.M.E.vom 18. March 1915. Nr. 25320
Felt and tin ersatz helmets have not been in use long enough by the troops of the Bavarian I. Army Corps to make any final judgments on them.
Generally speaking past experiences show that felt helmets are preferable to the tin helmets. The former are light and comfortable to wear, since they conform to the head. Felt helmets provide adequate protection against the sun, but they soak up rain water and become heavy which hinders the ventilation needed to dry out and the helmet body loses its shape.
Although the tin helmets are durable, they are heavier and provide a poor fit to the head. Also they must be handled with care because even when they experience a minor bump they dent and thereafter they don’t fit right. Also after they are exposed to sunshine for longer periods of time the tin helmets get hot and uncomfortable. It might improve the helmet if the liner had a felt band inside it to provide better ventilation.