|
Wehrmacht Combat Helmets: 1933-45
The author
has just released a new book printed by Osprey Publishing in
England. This 64 page softbound book is another addition
to Osprey's growing list of WWII military books designed for
the collector, historian, military enthusiast, and modeler.
Elite 106, entitled Wehrmacht Combat Helmets 1933-45,
is yet another source of information on the history of the
World War II German helmet.
The book is
filled with information beginning with the development of the
steel helmet (stahlhelm) from the early days of the Reichswehr
through the end of the war. Helmets of the German Army (Heer),
Air Force (Luftwaffe), and Navy (Kriegsmarine) are featured in
never before published period photos. Several surviving
German veterans provided advice and commentary for the text
which sheds light on the real practices of soldiers in the
field. The color inserts include artwork produced by
Kevin Lyles which are accompanied by color photos of period
helmets and insignia. Helmets depicted are all
authenticated examples of which the majority were collected
from estates and surviving families of veterans. The
book is designed for the beginning and intermediate collector
who seeks information not covered in other works.
The compact
and easy to follow format gives the reader a condensed and
complete view of the German helmet with historical context at
the level expected of those with military history backgrounds.
This is not just another book filled with "pretty pictures"
and no text. Readers can gather information pertaining
to aspects such as the M1927 liner, chinstrap development and
markings, decal makers, and related topics. The book
covers specific gaps not previously covered in other works
such as Baer's The History of
the German Steel Helmet. For the first time new
information is presented on RAL paint codes, a complete list
of manufacturer's (some missing from Baer's text) of liner
bands, and a time-line of development to put it all into
context. |
