I couldn’t agree more with you Ethan.
I bought this helmet a very long time ago and, with the possible exception of the net, have done nothing to it. As a non-combatant, the presence of a net might seem less likely, as you say Mike, so I may well remove it.
I fully agree with Rod and Rene, regarding the existence of repro chinstraps in the mid-80s and have absolutely no doubts of its originality.
Oh, and Blackcat, I did find the information you mentioned, regarding the passing of Pvt. Royster and his wife, though chose not to mention it. After all these years with the helmet in my possession, I regret that I was unable to make any kind of contact with him...
There were early attempts at de-segregation in the closing stages of WWII, though on a very limited ‘experimental’ scale and among carefully selected units, where trouble or confrontation was considered less likely. The majority of African-American troops, however, tended to be involved in the supply and stores chain, such as the famous and heroic ‘Red Ball Express’.
I like to think of Mr. Royster in such a role and it would indeed explain the condition of the helmet.
Interestingly, one of the great General Marshall’s late and post-war studies revealed a large proportion of white soldiers had no problem with the idea of a de-segregated army and, indeed, wondered why African-Americans were withheld from frontline service when so many were willing and equally capable!
They certainly proved their capabilities, beyond all doubt, in the tank battalions and artillery batteries! Then, of course, there were the Tuskegee men...
(I was once very privileged to meet Lee ‘Buddy’ Archer. He was admiring my B-10 flight jacket on a display I did at Duxford. I said, ‘I’ll swap it for yours’, to which he replied, ‘I would, but I can’t get it back off my daughter!’ - a lovely man and a true gentleman).
Thank you all for your kind words and responses, as ever.
Bob
.
the straps fine.........
Bookmarks