Wm. Strudel and his helmet - Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum

alysloper · #1 18th February 2011, 10:24

Hi

I have only posted once or twice on this forum, so I hope you don't mind me posting a query?

I have recently seen a German steel helmet with Luftwaffe insignia and a name painted inside (in fancy german type script) : WM. STRUDEL. I was told that it was recovered during WW2 from a crashed aircraft, possibly in the Sussex Area, along with some ammunition? I wonder if it is possible to ascertain whether this story is true i.e. whether this name is genuine? Also, wondering whether steel helmets would be present or worn by Luftwaffe aircrew in WW2?

thanks for any help

Ian

obdl3945 · #2 20th February 2011, 17:38

Hi, Ian...

To answer your second question first, I believe steel helmets were taken on board certainly the larger German aircraft during operations.

To answer your main question, you would really need to provide some more information if possible. I imagine there may have been a few German airmen with the name Strudel. So, your first port of call might be the local newspaper, or it's present day successor, and see if there were any reports of aircraft downed in that area. There may well be a good number, so it might be a long process. You would need to determine what date and type of aircraft may have been involved.

You could also search the Aircrew Remembrance Society's website if you already have an idea of date and aircraft type. If they have a record of it logged, you may be able to match the name on the helmet with the details on the website.

I'm not sure if I would be able to assist you further, but I'm sure others on this forum may well be able to if you can provide more information. Good hunting!

Regards,

Paul

Brian Bines · #3 20th February 2011, 18:39

There are some photos in a couple of publications showing Luftwaffe aircrew wearing steel helmets. In the early part of the war this was the standard infantry helmet sometimes hammered out at the sides locally to better accomodate the earphones, in the later war years a specific steel helmet for aircrew was issued. As a I recall an example of the hammerred out type was displayed at the Imperial War Museum London I believe linked to KG100. Did not USAAF aircrew also sometimes wear steel helmets on bombing operations. The Blitz Then & Now books did not show a WM. Strudel in the index.