Anthony Charles
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Anthony C. Meldahl: Ersatz Spike Helmet Article Part 18
Document I found in Munich 1989. I spent 2 weeks in this archive.
Translation by Anthony C. Meldahl:
(ACM Doc #20.0.). Bayer. Inf.Leib Rgt 1 Ers. Bn Muenchen 1 April 1915 Bayer HStA Abt IV M Kr 5103.
From: Infantry Leib Regiment
1st Ersatz Battalion
Munich
April 1, 1915
To: The 1st Royal Bavarian Infantry Brigade
Reference: K.M.E. 18.3.15 Nr.25320
G.K.V. 23.2.15. Nr.24834
Subject: Helmets
(NOTE: this document was hand written in old German script and I cannot make out about 20% of the letters so I’ll have to make do with that and try and translate as best as I can)
The tin ersatz spike helmets have been used in wear trails for over four months however the felt ersatz helmets have only been issued for field wear trials since March 23, 1915.
In is not possible to come to a final conclusion on the suitability of the felt helmets for field use since the B.L.Regiments Ersatz Battalion has only had the felt helmets for a short while.
I have asked the Leib Infantry Regiment for an evaluation as soon as it is able to provide one. Both metal and felt helmets need to be compared to the leather spike helmets.
The metal helmet is similar in appearance to the leather spike helmet and it is very durable in all types of weather. However the metal helmets are stiff und lack the flexibility (of the leather helmets). In winter the helmet fits over the knit hat preventing contact with the cold metal. When it is very hot the metal helmets can be uncomfortable.
The felt spike helmet is lighter than the leather spike helmet, fits well, and is liked by the enlisted troops. When it rains constantly the felt helmet gets heavy because it soaks up water.
Document I found in Munich 1989. I spent 2 weeks in this archive.
Translation by Anthony C. Meldahl:
(ACM Doc #20.0.). Bayer. Inf.Leib Rgt 1 Ers. Bn Muenchen 1 April 1915 Bayer HStA Abt IV M Kr 5103.
From: Infantry Leib Regiment
1st Ersatz Battalion
Munich
April 1, 1915
To: The 1st Royal Bavarian Infantry Brigade
Reference: K.M.E. 18.3.15 Nr.25320
G.K.V. 23.2.15. Nr.24834
Subject: Helmets
(NOTE: this document was hand written in old German script and I cannot make out about 20% of the letters so I’ll have to make do with that and try and translate as best as I can)
The tin ersatz spike helmets have been used in wear trails for over four months however the felt ersatz helmets have only been issued for field wear trials since March 23, 1915.
In is not possible to come to a final conclusion on the suitability of the felt helmets for field use since the B.L.Regiments Ersatz Battalion has only had the felt helmets for a short while.
I have asked the Leib Infantry Regiment for an evaluation as soon as it is able to provide one. Both metal and felt helmets need to be compared to the leather spike helmets.
The metal helmet is similar in appearance to the leather spike helmet and it is very durable in all types of weather. However the metal helmets are stiff und lack the flexibility (of the leather helmets). In winter the helmet fits over the knit hat preventing contact with the cold metal. When it is very hot the metal helmets can be uncomfortable.
The felt spike helmet is lighter than the leather spike helmet, fits well, and is liked by the enlisted troops. When it rains constantly the felt helmet gets heavy because it soaks up water.