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Members of a
Technical Emergency Assistance unit (Technische Nothilfe-TeNo) are
awarded the Iron Cross Second Class for their efforts at supporting
the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) in its recovery from heavy Allied
bombing efforts along the coast of France. Many TeNo members
served to rebuild port facilities in occupied countries where damage
prevented ongoing Naval activities. This included facilities
where large concrete bunkers protected German Navy (Kriegsmarine)
submarines (U-boats) during rest and refitting. The helmets
depicted are standard M1934 medium duty protective helmets that are
void of any insignia. These helmets were also used by the German
Red Cross (Deutsches Rote Kreuz) and a number of police organizations
including those of the Schutzstaffel (SS). The short rim as well
as the pronounced air vent are clearly evident from this photo taken
for the benefit of German propaganda. Helmets of this kind were
painted a smooth, field-gray finish inside and out. A variety of
civic style police liners were inserted into the shells and retained
by four permanently mounted pop rivet studs. Helmets of this
kind are often mislabeled "TeNo Style" helmets despite the fact that
they were worn by other National Socialist organizations. Of
particular note is the man at the right rear edge of the photo.
Although unclear, the helmet appears to be a combat model M1935 or
M1940 helmet. |
