Introduction of steel helmet 35
I have translated some background informations about the steel helmets, here is the "Introduction of steel helmet 35".
289. Steel helmet 35.
1. To overcome the drawbacks of the present steel helmet (obstruction of hearing and vision when aiming, shooting and operating optical equipment), new steel helmets were designed and put to trials in instructional and experimental units. The wearing tests are completed. The improved pattern - steel helmet without ear cutting and without ventilation bolt, with a slightly higher set front shield and slightly shortened front shield, side- and neck shield - is introduced under the name "Steel helmet 35" instead of the previous steel helmet for nonhorsemen and horsemen. Samples and descriptions as well as leaflet about distribute and seat of the steel helmets will be issued later. The wearing time remains unchanged.
2. The previous helmet sizes (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) are kept. Intermediate sizes (61, 63, 65, 67) are achieved through the interior fittings.
3. a) The newly formed troops will be equipped with steel helmet 35 in accordance with the requirements declarations requested until July 1, 1935. These requirements declarations must be forwarded immediately by the Army clothing offices to the Procurement Office.
b) About the announcement of further demand for steel helmets 35 and about the target quota command remains reserve. For future requirements declarations, helmet sizes, intermediate sizes and head width should be indicated as follows:
60-----Z 61 62-----Z 63 64-----Z 65 66-----Z 67 68
53------54 55-------56 57-------58 59-------60 61
4. The interior 31 remains unchanged.
5. Later instructions will be given on the use of the current steel helmets after equipment of the troops with steel helmets 35.
6. An order on the functional utilization of the helmets made of vulcanized fiber, which have been tested, is taken by the military district commandos, etc.
Supreme High Command of the German Army,
June 25, 1935 V 5 III b.