M.35 Lw. Camo KIA (Update)

I've had this helmet since the early 90s. Back during that time, before internet research tools I sent a letter off to the Bundesarchiv to try to get information on "Hans Horak" and they sent a letter back saying they had no information. Then, I checked the German Graves Registry recently. There is no other "Hans Horak" listed, it is an unusual name, and the helmet was a vet bringback from France.
Translation:
Surname: Horak
First name: Hans
Rank: Infantryman
Date of birth: 31.12.1914
Place of birth: Bakowa
Death/missing date: 02.08.1944
Death place:
Hans Horak rests on the war grave place in Marigny (France).
Final grave situation: Block 1 row 9 grave 337
http://www.volksbund.de/kgs/stadt.asp?stadt=1056
Translation:
Marigny
In the course of the invasion American air landing troops established two bridgeheads with pc. Mère Eglise as starting point for the cutting off of the German troops lying on the peninsula Cotentin. Against most violent resistance it succeeded to the American federations advancing over Carentan after pc. Lô and far toward Avranches to cut the entire area off of Coutances.

Nice helmet and history, thanks for showing it. GR

Another great helmet Hambone!

P

Update

An update to the Hans Horak research courtesy of the effort and kindness of our member BSW 1937 (Samuel in France) (Many thanks Samuel!):

It is rare event that you have that kind of history on the helmet and the man. Truly impressive. GR

bsw1937

Hambone said:

An update to the Hans Horak research courtesy of the effort and kindness of our member BSW 1937 (Samuel in France) (Many thanks Samuel!):

Click to expand...

I also have been a person to receive a kind jesture from this member. Having friends like this in france is a good thing..Also if you like auto racing he lives in the mecca of racing ..Lemans !!!!

Great Stuff!!!!!!!

wow

That is really cool. Now if you can find a picture.....

You are welcome.

It was the first time I had the opportunity to visit a German war cemetery. I have visited many war cemeteries over the year, mainly in France but the impression was different. Into a “regular” cemetery, you are stomached by the number of crosses well aligned in front of you.
In Marigny, it takes a little time to evaluate how many men are buried here.
With a little over 11.000 men here, it is not a big war cemetery but the atmosphere is peacefull and inclines you to think about the stupidity of such a war.

Sorry for the poor description.

jack944 said:

That is really cool. Now if you can find a picture.....

Click to expand...

This is as good as it gets Jack:
http://www.k98kforum.com/showthread.php?506-KIA-wire-camo-M35-from-May-1940

BSW 1937 said:

You are welcome.

It was the first time I had the opportunity to visit a German war cemetery. I have visited many war cemeteries over the year, mainly in France but the impression was different. Into a “regular” cemetery, you are stomached by the number of crosses well aligned in front of you.
In Marigny, it takes a little time to evaluate how many men are buried here.
With a little over 11.000 men here, it is not a big war cemetery but the atmosphere is peacefull and inclines you to think about the stupidity of such a war.

Sorry for the poor description.

Click to expand...

Again, thanks for your time and effort Samuel.

I think in collecting we sometimes forget that these things represent monumental tragedies and loss. France was a battleground and its people suffered terribly.

More pics of the German cemetary in Marigny: