Helmet Description

Little photographic evidence exists to confirm the nature of helmets worn by the SA Military Training Defense (SA-Wehrmannschaft) following its creation in 1943.  Of the photographs that do exist it appears that members of this paramilitary organization wore standard combat helmets including the M1935 and M1940.  In some cases it appears that helmets used by this group also included the standard one, two, and three-piece gladiator style helmets generally reserved for light civilian duty.  However, solid evidence exists to support the fact that members of the SA-Wehrmannschaft were issued combat style helmets when needed.  This is not surprising given that fact that the organization was formed to train members in military tactics for potential use in the Armed Forces (Wehrmacht).  Original helmets in the form of both M1935 and M1940 patterns exist to confirm this notion.  Because the SA-Wehrmannschaft was formed mid-war, it is likely that M1942 helmets may have also been used.  Helmets were painted light brown to match standard SA uniform requirements.  Most original examples observed have been standard Wehrmacht helmets repainted brown on the outside.  Two insignia were generally placed on the helmets.  This consisted of the SA circular insignia on the right side of the helmet and the SA political eagle on the left.

The M1940 SA-Wehrmannschaft Helmet (left and right sides)

The M1944 One Piece SA Gladiator Helmet (left and right sides)

SA-Wehrmannschaft Main

Helmet Types

Helmet Insignia

SA-Wehrmannschaft Steiermark

SA-Wehrmannschaft