Ivanov Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I didn't even know that such a thing existed and only found out after seeing an episode of a TV series Boardwalk Empire, where an American veteran is carring the captured German sniper mask as a trophy: "An original German “Sappenpanzer Gesichtsmaske” armoured faceplate as issued to snipers and machine-gunners in static positions on the Western Front, by far the rarest of all pieces of German trench-armour. A very heavy item made of hardened-steel and strapped to the head by a cage, it was developed in response to the high number of facial-injuries suffered by snipers and machine-gunners in the trenches during the First World War. Due to its weight it could only be used by personnel in fixed positions but would protect the face and head from rifle-rounds and shrapnel shards at all but point-blank range". It's just another example, that the late WWI personal equipment was evolving into some bizzare mixture of what was modern at that time and stuff that looked like it was taken from the Middle Ages. I also like it, because the German military gear had always some sinister quality attached to it :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joshua22 Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 If I'm correct they were even experimenting with body armour, or more "build a tank around a soldier". It was heavy and clumsy, and it didn't protect them that much. Ofcourse the best protection is "not be seen" as snipers are trained to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wodin Posted January 26, 2013 Share Posted January 26, 2013 They had chain mail like face covers aswell..and metal breast plates etc..one strange and primitive war using industrial killing methods.. It's a reason why it fascinates me far more than any other war fought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts