Reuss

aicusv said:
I should also point out that not only did they pass the helmets on to the replacements, but that chin straps were in short supply and they were required to take the strap from their Pickelhaube to use on the steel helmet. Many years back I recall seeing a steel helmet that had a set of cockades (Bav.) on the strap post.
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I agree with that! I have heard of this too and also saw one time a pict of a M16 with a bavarian cokade mounted on the side post.
The fact that they sometimes have to remove the chinstrap from their Pickelhauben to use it on the M16 is clearly the proof that they went in the first lines with their Pickelhauben.They were not let behind....I think that during the shortage of M16 till the end of 1916, the priority to wear one was also reserved to higher ranks (officers and Unteroffiziere with Portepee), then EM.

Philippe
:wink:
 
None of the vets ever said anything about selective issuing of helmets. All in their unit got the steel pots. As to where the Pickelhaube was kept, only one vet said anything about that, they were kept in the unit's area directly behind the front. From what he said I took it to mean that they were kept at some type of depot directly behind the trenches. He stated that they would remove the chin strap and cockades (these he would carry in a pocket), and turn in their Pickelhaube and then keeping a tight hold on the strap (it appears that chin straps had a habit on going missing) go over and draw out the steel helmet. When coming out of the trenches it would be turn in the steel helm and pick up your Pickelhaube. From the way he spoke I took it to mean that the Pickelhaubes and steel helmets were located in two different locations, but in the same general area.

One other point - My interviews were conducted about 50 years ago and that was 50 years after the fact.
 
aicusv said:
All in their unit got the steel pots.
One other point - My interviews were conducted about 50 years ago and that was 50 years after the fact.
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Yes, it´s a long time ago.....

But the fact that they all got the steel pots and the organisation of two different depots is maybe a simple question of period (late 1916, 1917/18).

However, some period picts are clearly showing the wearing mixity of M16 and Pickelhauben (M95, M95 with dismantled spikes and M15) for a transitional period in the year 1916, during the gradually introduction of M16.







About the "going missing of chinstraps":



Philippe
:wink:
 
Congratulations Bruno, on acquiring this excellent condition super-rare helmet! It looks fantastic! :bravo: =D>

Best Regards,

Alan
 
Assume itt was unit by unit case and date as to who got helmets. Love the naval unit photo, no straps - no pickelhaubes???
 
Assume it was unit by unit case and date as to who got helmets or I is just the way I remember it being told. Love the naval unit photo, no straps - no pickelhaubes???
 
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