| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/00994 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Helmet |
| Physical description | Brass, Leather, Steel |
| Maker |
Unknown Vereinigte Deutsche Nickelwerke |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
German Model 1916 steel helmet : Sergeant W E Brown, 20 Battalion, AIF
Description
German Model 1916 steel helmet with leather liner. The helmet is painted field grey. Three sections of leather spaced equidistant around the inside of the helmet make up the liner that are stitched to a leather band attached to the helmet by three rivets. The string used to join the top of the leather sections is missing as is the leather chinstrap. A pair of ventilating lugs on either side of the helmet also provide the mounting points for the seldom-used detachable frontal armour plate (not present).
History / Summary
This German model 1916 steel helmet was collected by Sergeant Walter Ernest 'Wally' Brown, of 20 Battalion AIF, who was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during fighting near Passchendaele, Belgium between 5-10 October 1917. He was subesequently awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 6 July 1918 for single handedly capturing 13 German troops, including an officer, near Accroche Wood following the Battle of Hamel.
Brown later recalled that he had picked up the helmet between Villers Bretonneux and Peronne.
He served again during the Second World War, with 2/15 Field Regiment. He was killed in action during the Battle of Singapore, in February 1942.