M31 collaboration Walloon/Flemish Guard reissued Adrian helmet

Description

VERY RARE M31 pattern Belgian Adrian helmet that was war time reissued for either the Walloon or Flemish Guard (Guarde Wallonne – Vlaamse Wacht). The helmet retains most of its typical blue/grey paint and has the typical oakleaf decal on front, still present for 90%. The liner is complete and the leather remains supple. The chin strap is still present.

The Walloon Guard (French: Garde Wallonne) was a collaborationist paramilitary formation which served as an auxiliary police in German-occupied Belgium and parts of Northern France during World War II. It was established in November 1941 with the support of the Rexist Party and was officially incorporated into the German Army (Wehrmacht) alongside the Feldgendarmerie. In contrast to the Walloon Legion, established in June 1941, which participated in fighting on the Eastern Front the Walloon Guard was used within Belgium and initially found it easier to attract volunteers because of the comparatively high salaries offered. The first battalion was raised on 17 November 1941. It was used primarily for guarding railways and military installations but also participated in the repression of the resistance and deserters from labour deportation.

The Flemish Guard (Dutch: Vlaamse Wacht) was a collaborationist paramilitary formation which served as an auxiliary police in parts of German-occupied Belgium during World War II. It was founded as an independent formation in May 1941 at the initiative of the Union of Flemish Veterans (Verbond van Vlaamsche Oudstrijders, VOS) and the Flemish National League (Vlaamsch Nationaal Verbond, VNV). Both associated with the pre-war Flemish Movement, the VNV soon emerged as the largest collaborationist faction in Flanders during the occupation. In propaganda, the Flemish Guard was depicted as the police force of a future independent Flanders. It was distinct from the Flemish Legion, formed by the VNV in July 1941, to participate in the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

The Flemish Guard was finally brought under exclusive German control in July 1944 following the Allied landings in Normandy. By the time of the Liberation of Belgium in September 1944, the Flemish Guard was withdrawn into Germany and its remaining personnel were brought in to increase the strength of the newly created 27th SS Volunteer Grenadier Division Langemarck. (Wikipedia)