German-Helmets.com

German-Helmets.com - The Online Reference Guide to World War II German Helmets 1933-1945

Schutzstaffeln: SS-Heimwehr Danzig Helmets

Helmet Description

The SS-Heimwehr Danzig was a paramilitary unit that grew out of a small German police force established in the Free City of Danzig in what was known as the "Polish Corridor." In 1938 the ranks of the Danzig Police grew significantly and it was renamed "SS-Heimwehr Danzig" to denote what had largely become a combat unit. Initially members wore a variety of World War I model helmets that included the M1918 and the M1918 Ear Cut-Out varieties. Helmets used by the Danzig Police were identified by two decals consisting of the Danzig City Shield on the left side, and a large stenciled death's head on the right¹. The death's head insignia was granted use by the Danzig Police in commemoration of the 1st and 2nd Life Guard Hussar Regiments who had been stationed in Danzig-Langfhur during World War I. The skull insignia was a traditional icon used by Hussar and Uhlan regiments. In 1939 the Danzig Police became the SS-Heimwehr Danzig and members were issued M1935 pattern helmets with new insignia. The M1935 helmets were generally adorned with the new 1st pattern SS runic decal on the right side with the Danzig City Shield appearing on the left². After the fall of Poland, the Danzig Police ceased to exist. Members were incorporated directly into the German Order Police (Ordnungspolizei) or were transferred directly into the SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 3. Helmets were generally painted a variety of field-gray colors with a smooth finish. After the unit was disbanded, helmets were repainted to conform with standard police or SS-VT regulations³.

Notes:

¹ Helmets worn by the Danzig Police are often misinterpreted as being that of the Waffen-SS or SS-VT. Helmets bearing the large skull insignia are in fact police helmets worn prior to the formation of the SS-Heimwehr Danzig.

² Speculation holds that the newer M1935 helmets were issued with the 1st pattern runic shield and the Danzig City Shield. However, it is more likely that most members were simply issued M1935 helmets bearing standard SS decals.

³ Excellent reproductions of these helmets began appearing en mass from Eastern Europe in the mid-1980's. Originals are few in number and virtually every helmet of either kind is considered a high-end counterfeit.

The M1918 Helmet with Danzig Police Insignia

The M1935 Helmet with SS-Heimwehr Danzig Insignia

Overview

Each section of German-Helmets.com is divided into separate Information Tracks that outline important details, facts, and historical notes pertaining to steel helmets used by the German Armed Forces during World War II.

Information Tracks are organized by subject matter and their content is directly related to the service arm or organization to which each topic is related. Topic areas that bridge one subject matter to another are cross linked within each Information Track.

This Information Track provides historical facts pertaining to steel helmets worn by the SS-Heimwehr Danzig from 1938-1939. Individual links related to this subject are outlined below.

Primary Topics

Protection Units

SS-Heimwehr Danzig / Danzig Polizei

SS-Leibstandarte (LAH)

SS-Sicherheitspolizei (SD)

SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT)

SS-Wachverbände

Waffen-SS

German-Helmets.com - The Online Reference Guide to World War II German Helmets 1933-1945