SA-Stabswache

In January 1931 Ernest Röhm returned to the position of Chief-of-Staff of the Storm Detachments (Sturmabteilungen-SA).  This was Röhm's second return to the role of commander and chief of the SA.  In this role he quickly formed a number of special guard units (Stabswachen) to protect key himself and well as other National Socialist and SA leaders.  Special units were established not only for Röhm but also for Hermann Göring and Adolf Hitler.  Members of these guard units wore standard SA uniforms including brown painted helmets. 

Helmets worn by these guard units were generally of Austrian and German World War I design.  In an effort to secure control of the power and leadership within the National Socialist Party, Adolf Hitler and his guards arrested Röhm and had him imprisoned in 1934.  Shortly thereafter Hitler had Röhm shot to ensure that there would never again be a threat from the SA.  The Stabswachen for all leaders were disbanded in mid-1934 at the will of Adolf Hitler.  However Hitler's own guard unit remained in service and eventually became the SS Life Guard (SS-Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler) of infamous record.

Helmet Types

Helmet Insignia

SA-Wehrmannschaft