D-Day Worn 1119th Eng Combat Group M-1 Helmet Named to Colonel

[militbuff]

I just recently picked up this incredible helmet from a man who was a the neighbor of the Colonel.  When he was a young boy in the 1950s, a Colonel B*R*I*D*G*E*S gave him the helmet.  I’ve done some research on the Colonel and his full name was W. (William)D. (Denniston) B*R*I*D*G*E*S.  
 

He commanded the 1119th on D-Day, elements of which landed on Omaha at H+15 minutes right after the 1st ID.  On July 30th, he was given command of the 5th Engineer Special Brigade (ESB) when the CO fell sick.  He commanded the 5th ESB for the remainder of the war.  He was awarded a Purple Heart and 3 Bronze Stars during the war and I imagine both the PH and one of the Bronze Stars were earned at D-Day.   
 

The helmet is in very good condition and you can easily see where the invasion white arc was originally painted on the front of the helmet until it was painted over sometime after D-Day.  A really incredible helmet straight out of the woodwork!

[militbuff]

Here is some info I was able to find online about him and his service.

[Brian Keith]

Jaw Dropping!

Just WOW!

BKW

[Wake1941]

Stunning helmet, thanks for sharing 

[militbuff]

Thanks!  
 

I just googled his name this time with the 5th ESB and I actually found a picture of the Colonel from the Daily Mail, April 2013 (cool set of photos) holding his matching helmet liner shortly after Normandy at a cemetery.  I’m not sure whatever happened to his liner but he sure had one at one point in time. Unfortunately, there wasn’t one with the helmet when I got it.

 

What a small world.

[644td]

One of the best helmets I’ve seen in a long time. That’s truly an incredible helmet.

[everforward]

That's a beauty of a helmet, just super. 

[Paddyd00]

Very rare. The condition is astounding. Well done mate. Tippity Top Shelf

Z

[Alex Boban]

Nice find!

Here's a link to a high-resolution copy of Col Bridges' photo.

Flickr Photosnormandie - P012161

 

[mdk0911]

what a super helmet - well done - the top of the shelf!

[militbuff]

Thanks to all for the comments and thanks Alex for the high-res photo!

[trenchfoot]

All I can say is WOW

 

Russ

[Blueprint]

Great lid and important history!

 

Thanks for sharing 

[Buckshot329]

That is the coolest piece I've seen in a long time, thanks for sharing! 

[katieony]

A very interesting and historic helmet!  Thank you for sharing it!

 

Mike

[M24 Chaffee]

Great looking helmet and top shelf history to go with it!

 

Frank

[Timberwolf]

I'm not a helmet guy but that is one special lid.

[897 ORD]

WOW, fantastic helmet!  Great research, thank you for sharing!

[3rdMarDivMP]

Stunning - simply stunning!!!

 

[Ronnie]

Outstanding helmet!

Ronnie

[patrick_usmc]

On 5/4/2022 at 2:00 PM, militbuff said:

Thanks!  
 

I just googled his name this time with the 5th ESB and I actually found a picture of the Colonel from the Daily Mail, April 2013 (cool set of photos) holding his matching helmet liner shortly after Normandy at a cemetery.  I’m not sure whatever happened to his liner but he sure had one at one point in time. Unfortunately, there wasn’t one with the helmet when I got it.

 

What a small world.

Incredible helmet, and this photo just takes the cake! Even though you don't have the liner, it's incredible to see the exact same design in his hands. 

 

Fantastic, thanks for sharing!

 

Patrick

[rhill13]

I wonder how high this will sell for. I was following the auction and had to check to see if it was discussed. 

[manayunkman]

 

Where is it for sale?

 

 

3 hours ago, rhill13 said:

I wonder how high this will sell for. I was following the auction and had to check to see if it was discussed. 

 

[rhill13]

https://florida.hibid.com/lot/68508-378402-43869/wwii-d-day-1119th-combat-eng--group-named-helmet?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_content=saturday_6%2F25%2F22

 

happy bidding. 

[TheGoose]

Looks like OP found a quick payday.  Great helmet.