Fantastic as found with mud and tree root remains when recovered German M40 steel helmet used by a soldier in,battles of Kiev in 1941-1943,recovered while Ukrainian soldiers were digging defensive positions around Kiev after the Russian invasion in 2022.

This is a lovely recently recovered as found German M40 steel helmet. This helmet shell with lots of mud and tree roots attached completely un touched as found (.When i post this item i will do my best to to keep all the mud attached but obviously in transit some might come off hopefully not but its just to warn].The helmet has no real paintwork remains but still has its complete liner ring in place it is rusty with rust damage and holes it is solid it does some holes but is not braking up or falling apart at all it has been very well cleaned it is perfect for display or any collection. The helmet was used by a soldier in one of the battles of Kiev in 1941-1943.The helmet was recovered while Ukrainian soldiers were digging defensive positions around Kiev after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.The helmet comes with 2x laminated A5 information cards with pictures.

The first battle began on August 7, 1941, when German forces, led by Field Marshal Fedor von Bock, launched an offensive towards Kyiv. The Soviet defense, initially strong, was gradually overwhelmed by the German advance. The German Army's rapid advance towards Kyiv led to a massive encirclement of Soviet forces, trapping a large number of Red Army soldiers and supplies. The Germans skillfully used their air power and armored divisions to break through Soviet lines and create the encirclement, effectively isolating the Soviet forces.The encirclement, known as the 'Kiev Pocket,' included over 660,000 Soviet troops, making it one of the largest encirclements in military history. 

The second battle began in early November 1943 the Soviets launched a massive attack in the Ukraine and recaptured the city of Kiev. They drove a wedge between Army Group Centre and Army Group South and were threatening to encircle the latter army group. The situation was critical. Hitler ordered an immediate counterattack by the 1st SS Panzer as well as the 1st and 25th panzer divisions to try and restore the situation. Their mission to halt the Soviet attacks, destroy the forces before them, and restore the German line along the east bank of the Dnieper River..." The battles in the Ukraine raged throughout November and most of December with both sides throwing considerable forces into the engagements. The Germans never managed to recapture Kiev. By the end of December, the German panzer divisions were worn down while the Soviets launched another major offensive on Christmas Eve forcing the Germans, once more, onto the defensive. However, the Germans managed to contain most of these attacks and the Soviets suffered considerable losses. Two days later, in the face of overwhelming pressure, the Germans were ordered to retreat.

THIS ITEM IS FREE UK SHIPPING. FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS IT IS AT A REDUCED RATE. PLEASE ASK BEFORE PURCHASE.