Description: An original hard to find British Mk1 Steel helmet. This example is one of 400 000 given to the US troops when they arrived on the Western Front discovering their Stenson hats didn't stop shrapnel. The US hastily produced the model 1917 helmet very similar to the British version. WHAT MAKES THIS ONE SO SPECIAL?? The Australian attack at Hamel in 1918. Best known as the first all Australian offensive led by the brilliant General John Monash who employed the first ever assault tactics. A break from the British style of slaughter. Monash combined and coordinated arms for this attack (armour, infantry, artillery, air support) and the outcome was a raging success. Interestingly, integrated into the AIF Divisions were a couple of companies of US Infantry of the 33rd Infantry Division. In true Australian style, their participation was unauthorised and caused a few dramas. However, this became the first time Australian and US troops fought side by side. General Monash would write to the US counterpart after the attack:“My dear General,“I desire to take the opportunity of tendering to you as the immediate commander, my earnest thanks for the assistance and services of the Four Companies of Infantry who participated in yesterday’s brilliant operations. The dash, gallantry and efficiency of these American troops left nothing to be desired and my Australian soldiers speak in the highest terms in praise of them. That soldiers of the United States and Australia should have thus been associated for the first time in such close co-operation on the battlefield, is an historic event of such significance that it will live forever in the annals of our respective Nations.”This is a WW1 33rd Division Mk1 British manufactured helmet. Given that the British supplied 400000 helmets to US troops early in their deployment, perhaps this helmet was there, at Hamel in 1918. I'd like to think so.
Price: 520 AUD
Location: Cloncurry, QLD
End Time: 2024-05-24T07:45:30.000Z
Shipping Cost: 55.19 AUD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Returns Accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Authenticity: Original
Campaign: World War I
Product Type: Helmets
Era: 1910s
Theme: Militaria
Original/Reproduction: Original
Country: Britain
Modified Item: No
