Bundesrepublik The VOSS ZS helmet

[Gordon Craig]

When the German civil defence organization was first formed they continued to wear the helmets worn by the Air Protection Service of WWII. This helmet remained in use until 1966 when helmets of the same basic design, but made of fibreglass reinforced with polyester resin, were purchased. These helmets proved to be unsatisfactory as they were not strong enough for the purpose they were intended to be used for. Not long after their issue a new polycarbonate helmet was issued to replace the fibreglass ones. In 1971, work began on the development of new civil defence helmet, as the old form failed in some drop tests. The new helmet was to meet DIN 4840 specifications as well as several other requirements.

Other main demands were: external smooth shape without vertical and horizontal surfaces, liner of the fire helmet type to meet DIN 14940 specs; forehead, temple and neck protection; able to mount a helmet lamp; electric breakdown strength of up to 1000V; retractable face shield; self-opening chinstrap during heavy strain; easy dismantling, by hand, for replacement of defective parts and a shelf life of 15 years. Between 1972 and 1974 two prototypes were developed. Despite being certified by the Manching airbase fire department, these helmets were not produced because they were too reminiscent of the army M56 helmets of the GDR. The development company left the project and nothing further happened until 1979 when another company continued with the project.

The helmet manufacturer VOSS now took on the project. Here is what the VOSS company writes about the helmet they designed;

"In 1979, the first helmets for the Federal Office of Civil Defence were built. Overall, however, only some 10,000 pieces were made by the end of the eighties, when the Federal Office of Civil Defence was closed. The form of the helmet used was the same as the one developed by the firms founder, Hans Voss, in 1944 as the possible successor to the Wehrmacht helmet. This is the helmet that was the basis for the GDR helmet that was developed after WWII.

A visor was designed for this helmet with a clear surface over a fine wire mesh. This face guard was not popular and was discontinued early in the production. Therefore only small numbers of these visors were made."

Now on to some pictures of the helmet from my collection.

[Gordon Craig]

A side view of this helmet. The red cross on the side indicates it was used in the medical services of the ZS.

[Gordon Craig]

A view of the back of the helmet. The visible hole is for a plastic clip that is only used on helmets destined for the Firebrigades of the ZS. The leather neck shield is attached to plastic devices on the liner.

Edited August 14, 2012 by Gordon Craig

[Gordon Craig]

The quick disconnect catch of the chin strap.

Edited August 14, 2012 by Gordon Craig

[Gordon Craig]

The interior of the helmet.

[Gordon Craig]

A picture from the web showing a lamp attched to the front of the helmet.

[Gordon Craig]

The next pictures show markings inside the helmets showing they meet the DIN specifications, who made the helmet (the word VOSS is inside the large V but doesn't show up well in the pictures) the size - 2, and that it meets the 1000 volt specification.

Edited August 14, 2012 by Gordon Craig

[Gordon Craig]

Here are some pictures, from the web, of one of these helmets configured for use by ZS firebrigades. The red stripe does not indicate a leadership but marks the attack team. Other markings are use as well; blue (water group) or yellow (hose squad) markings. These marker were present in only a few institutions.

Edited August 14, 2012 by Gordon Craig