M45 (steel helmet)

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The M45 steel helmet

The steel helmet model 45 ( M45 for short ), also known as type B II , is a test object of a steel helmet, which was tested from 1943. It forms the basis for the later M56 steel helmet , which was the standard steel helmet of the National People's Army of the GDR .

history

Helmet types for the shortlist. The choice finally fell on type B II

On the basis of a memorandum of the Army Medical Inspectorate , in which reference was made to the increasing number of head injuries and other defects in the previous German helmet models M35 and M40 , the Army Weapons Office decided in 1942 to develop a new one - bypassing the Ministry of Armaments and Adolf Hitler's ban on new helmet designs Stahlhelmes approved.

The work was carried out in the Chemisch-Technische Reichsanstalt by the Institute for Defense Materials Science in Berlin (head Prof. Dr.-Ing.Fry and clerk Dr. Hänsel). Four models were put into closer testing: “A” = a slightly modified helmet 35, “B”, “B / II” and “C”. The experienced manufacturer of steel helmets, Eisen- und Hüttenwerke AG Thale / Harz , which had been commissioned with the production of the test samples, also submitted the “Thale proposal”, which was a modification of the “B” model under the direction of the superior Engineer Erich Kisan . The two "B" models proved to be the best in the fire and troop trials. The prototype was registered for a patent on December 7, 1943 under the number 706467. The other results were summarized in a memorandum and presented to the Fuehrer's headquarters in autumn 1944 . Despite the positive assessment of the helmets and the large savings in material and labor, it refused to introduce a new helmet model - obviously for logistical reasons and for reasons of tradition. Only a few hundred helmets were issued for troop trials. There was no series production.

construction

The M56 steel helmet is largely based on the M45 steel helmet. From 1956 it was the standard helmet of the NVA.

The M45 steel helmet has a single domed bell with widely protruding side edges without a bevel on the underside. As with the earlier models, the front part of the helmet is pulled up to allow a better view. The sides of the helmet are designed to be less steep and also less drawn down, as with its predecessors. As a result, higher energy should be dissipated by incoming fragments and projectiles.

rating

In terms of ballistic protection and hearing, the M45 and M56 were on a par with, if not superior, the M35 and M42. In terms of all-round protection, especially in the case of shrapnel from the side, the helmet showed weaknesses. This made it easier for them to break through under the shorter bell. Due to the wide protruding sides, there was a risk of getting caught on the edges of vehicles or trenches, which could well lead to injuries to the spine. So the bell was later attached to the carrying liner with three clips, which should cause the bell to detach.

Later use

The National People's Army later took up this design and produced this helmet in series from 1956, over time it was revised several times. It received a new lining with a clipped attachment to the bell, a new paintwork and a curved lower edge all around. To camouflage the helmet could with a camouflage net or a Tarnüberzug in Flächentarn (Blumentarn) or later in camo be provided over.

After the fall of the Wall, the helmets were often sold to Eastern Europe and Asia. Most recently, they were used in large numbers in the Yugoslav Wars.

literature

  • Ludwig Baer (ed.): From steel helmets to combat helmets. A history of development from 1915 to 1994. 2 volumes (Vol. 1: 1915–1945. Vol. 2: 1945–1994. ). Baer, ​​Neu-Anspach 1994, ISBN 3-9803864-0-6 (Vol. 1), ISBN 3-9803864-1-4 (Vol. 2).
  • Johannes Denecke: camouflages of the German army 1914 until today. Bernard & Graefe, Bonn 1999, ISBN 3-7637-5990-5 .
  • Jürgen Kraus: Steel helmets from the First World War to the present. Friedrich Schwerd, the designer of the German steel helmet in memory (= publications of the Bavarian Army Museum. Vol. 8, ZDB -ID 553886-5 ). Special exhibition Bavarian Army Museum, Ingolstadt 1984 ( online ).
  • Klaus-Ulrich Keubke and Manfred Kunz: Military uniforms in the GDR 1949–1990 , Hamburg, Berlin, Bonn 2005, ISBN 3-8132-0835-4 .
  • Michael Krauss: The camouflaged summer field service clothing of the GDR 1956 - 1990 , Volumes 1 to 4, Norderstedt 2016, ISBN 9783741282232 , ISBN 9783741289668 , ISBN 9783741290831 , ISBN 9783741290862 .

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