Rare Original WW2 Dutch City Of Gorinchem M15 Adrian Burgerwacht Militia Helmet
This rare Dutch Burgerwacht helmet from Gorinchem, based on the French M15 Adrian model, dates from the period before 1940
The helmet is painted black and features on the front the painted coat of arms of Gorinchem, with the characteristic red city gate beneath a golden crown, flanked by red crosses.
Complete with original liner and chinstrap.
The Burgerwacht, a civilian auxiliary force tasked with maintaining order in times of crisis and supporting the police and army when necessary, was equipped during the mobilization period with helmets like this to ensure recognizability and provide a limited degree of protection.
This example clearly shows traces of use and age.
When Germany invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940, great confusion and uncertainty arose in many places. As the army retreated and the fighting shifted, civilians, police, and former soldiers often took the initiative to protect their surroundings.
These Burgerwachten were spontaneously organized groups that armed themselves with hunting rifles, pistols, or abandoned military weapons.
Their main tasks were guarding bridges, railways, and public buildings, and preventing sabotage or looting. Militarily, these groups had little significance against the well-equipped German troops, but they reflected the determination to resist.
After the capitulation on 15 May 1940, the Germans forced civilians to hand in their weapons; armed civilians were regarded as "Freischärler" (free shooters) and risked severe reprisals.
The Burgerwachten of May 1940 ultimately proved to be only a short-lived phenomenon making this a very rare helmet.
Size approx 57-58cm
