OK, I know this issue has been discussed recently, but as far as Operation Lightning goes, is there any preference for headwear - i.e. caps or helmets? I asked the same question on PGNet and someone replied thus:
When is the field cap worn in combat:
-On recon patrols
-On night patrols
-By snipers/sharpshooters (when in a stationary position like a trench they often wore the helmet)
-By Machine gunners when needed (vision)
-By Squad/Platoon leaders when needed (vision, hearing, mobility)
- In extreme cold (Steel conducts cold a bit too well)
- In extreme heat (Same as above, helmets were not popular with the DAK and were only worn when absolutely nessacery and they were even cooled with water)
Why is the field cap worn in combat?
-Because you can't see with a helmet on
-Because you can't hear with a helmet on
-Because a helmet is heavy and made of metal
When is the helmet worn in combat:
- In urban combat (by everyone, very dangerous environment for your head)
- In static positions like trenches (things fall out of the sky and your head is vulnerable while in a trench)
-In all other cases.
Why is the helmet worn in combat?
- To protect the head against falling debris and shrapnel.
Your thoughts??
You've got nothing to ein, zwei, drei, vier
For the brits we probably wont have too many guys in them.
Commandos rarley wore helmets (although there are many pics of them on beach assaults or in training doing so)
But mostly because the nature of this scenario is they have bene in situ for months living with the locals and wearing a military lid draws a bit of attneiton to yourself.
The heer garrison should wear helmets as they are 'on guard' and on duty.
I'd have thought the SS unit would as well being eastern fornt vets hastily pulled out of the line.
"I think we are in rats' alley - Where the dead men lost their bones."
In regards to the Yugoslavian/Med operations the pictures of pirsoners of war from an assault by the commandos against German trenches (Italy 1944) shows them all wearing the cap. Though given that they are prisoners there is good chance they put it on for comfort once done with all the fighting.
The pictures I have of Commandos on opperations in Yugoslavia/Italy show a nice mix of Helmets and Comforters. Though a copy of the 'night patrol' orders mentions that they are not wear berets or flashes as they didn't want the enemy knowing they were opposed by commandos (Italian front line).
Just sharing my findings.
the chances are, if you were captured by commandos it was a raid not an assualt, and more than likely in a rear " safe " area where you would be stood down( i.e. working order uniform rather than combat) . but i could be wrong.( plus your cap/beret is always on you in a pocket or tucked down yout tunic, after capture you dont need a big heavy pisspot on your head)
the chances are, if you were captured by commandos it was a raid not an assualt, and more than likely in a rear " safe " area where you would be stood down( i.e. working order uniform rather than combat) . but i could be wrong.
This was and assault in Italy when No2, 47RM and 48RM pushed up around lake Commerachio backed up by armour and all the artillery in the world (my book is at home so all three salient points may actually be wrong...). The defences they attacked were the front line. There was an opperation name, but I cannot remember it.
then its the second part of my post, the helmets got chucked in the nearest ditch.
Yes, I think that's likely.
It was operation 'Roast', the battle for Camacchio with 2 Cdo 9 Cdo and 40 RM Cdo. So I was mostly wrong on the old details...
