Second World War
(1939 to 1945)
What happened?
During World War II, the Axis and the Allies, two allances, were opposed to each other. In Europe, the most attention is often paid to the battle that was fought on the European continent. But many victims were also killed elsewhere in the world. The war of 1940-1945 was a real world war for that reason. A war that was the amalgamation of a number of initially seperate military conflicts fougth on a global scale between the two alliances.
In 1939, in Europe, troops of the German Wehrsmacht and the SS invaded Poland. This act was responded by the governments of the United Kingdom and France, who allied with Poland, with a declaration of war on Germany. The most dramatic expansion of the conflict took place with Germany attacking the Soviet Union. Despite this, the war could still be seen as an European war, seperate from the Japanese expansion in East Asia. This changed when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, where the United States Pacific Fleet was stationed in 1941. The US promptly declared war on Japan, who had signed a Anti-Comintern Pact with Germany. Germany declared war on the USA four days later.
Unprecendented massive and ruthless violence resulted in numerous civilian casualties. In previous wars, a fundamental distinction between civilians and military personnel had been made. The civilians were spared as much as possible. This principle was widely abandonded during WWII. All sides regarded each other's citizens as valid targets. Civilians contributed to the enemy's belligerent capacity. Both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union were totalitarian regimes, sustained by political repression and indoctrination. The war between soldiers was extremely hard. The internationally agreed rules of warfare (the Geneva Convention) were systematically and widely violated, in regard to the treatment of prisoners of war.
Between 50 and 70 million people died during WWII. About 2/3 were civilians, with about 11 million belonging to minorities. The massive persecution of Jews, gypsies, homosexuals and Jehovah's witnesses is an important part of the war. Persecuted people were often arrested by the Nazis and placed in camps. The strong prisoners were selected for forced labor. The elderly, children and the sick were instantly killed in various camps, such as Auschwitz, Treblinka and Sobibor. At the end of the war, Nazis tried to obliterate the evidence of the destruction as much as possible. It was also the first war in which nuclear weapons were used. Missile weapons and fighter jets were also used on a relatively small scale at the end of the war.
The deployment of chemical weapons on the battlefield was feared by all parties. However, poison gas was only used in the periphery by Italy and Japan, where experiments with biological warfare also took place.
Toothbrush
± 1939 to ± 1945
The oldest dental care tool is the toothpick made of wood, bone, silver, metal or a feather from the Ancient Near East. The Islamic world had a kind of brush: the siwak, made from twigs of the Arak tree. Chewing opens the fibers like a brush with a pleasant taste.
Tooth powders and rinses were used during Classical Antiquity and the Middle Ages to keep teeth clean. Ingredients are exotic: burnt hare's head or mouse, mixed with marble powder, the phalanges of goats, bull's gall, but also gold, silver, and all kinds of herbs. They were rubbed on the molars.
During the Middle Ages, the Chinese made the first brushes for cleaning in the 7th century. Jan Yperman (1275-1331), patriarch of Flemish surgery, knew no less than seven different dental powders.
Erasmus spoke out about oral hygiene at the beginning of the 16th century. The cleanliness of the teeth must be taken care of. Whiten the teeth with a powder. Spaniards do it with "piss". Scraping the tartar with a scraper was common. In Tregement der Ghesontheyt, medical book from 1514 in Antwerp, Belgium, we read about a tooth powder, a mixture of nutmeg and lavender against the odor of the mouth.
In the Belgian 'De secreten van der Eerwaardigen Heere Alexis Piemontois', (= The Secrets of the Venerable Lord Alexis Piemontois), book by Plantin Press, from 1561, the use of tooth powder is described: first wash the mouth with clean water or wine, take the powder on your finger or on a cloth, rubbing teeth with it, your teeth stay clean, strong, and firm.
Trade contacts with China introduced the brush in Europe in the 17th century. The notion that pigs or horsehair bristles were too rough for teeth and gums was long held.
Cornelis Solingen, a physician in The Hague, The Netherlands, is the first to provide an image of a toothbrush in his "Alle de Medicinale en Chirugicale Werken" (= All Medicinal and Surgical Works) in 1698.
William Addis designed in 1780 his own toothbrush and had it made on a large scale under the name Wisdom in his factory. It still exists (2021). First brushes were made from animal hair. It was too expensive for most. Many families did it with one brush, if any. Napoleon, emperor in the Modern History, had a whole collection of toothbrushes, in gold and silver.
Staphorst, The Netherlands, was stricken with dysentery in 1925. The Journal of Medicine complained about poor hygiene. Healthy cleaning of the mouth and teeth is rare. Usually, a dirty damp cloth is rubbed against the face and teeth. Then the other housemates use this cloth in the same way. Dishes, pans, etc. are also cleaned with it.
The Dupont company developed the nylon in 1938 and brought about a first strong improvement. More and more often, the toothbrush was made of this material of no interest to bacteria.
Not much has changed on the toothbrush since then. The biggest change is the electric toothbrush. Initially: "Suitable for the physically and mentally handicapped". Proven to clean better.
In 2004, experts recommend replacing the toothbrush every three months. Many Belgians use their toothbrush until it is completely worn out. The Belgian bought an average of about one toothbrush per year. Thirteenth in the European "doing well with your toothbrush" ranking. The Dutch were not much better.
An average of seven million bacteria on an average toothbrush are found. Bad brushing increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Bacteria from gum disease can penetrate the brain, causing inflammation and brain damage, it is thought. Solution: A toothbrush sanitizer that kills most bacteria with ultraviolet. In the meantime, the emergence of the tongue scraper occurred, a tool that combats the smelly bacteria of the tongue.
Steel with Stamps. Found: Esslingen, Germany (JN0278)
Air Raid Protection M40 Helmet
± 1940
The helmet retains some of its original dark blue satin finish. In the center of the helmet is a Luftschutz emblem. The black detailed, silver emblem has stylized wings with a central oak leaf and a tilted swastika under a banner “Luftschutz”. The shell is stamped with the manufacturer's code and size, “Q64”, indicating that the manufacturer is Quist in Esslingen, Germany, and has size 64. It has a lining, but the chin strap is missing.
This kind of helmet is rare very difficult to find. The Deutches Luftschutzverband, (= German Air Protection League) was founded in 1932 and was an organization of volunteers designed to provide civilian air raid protection in large civilian centers.
After Hitler's seizure of power, the Deutches Luftschutzverband was restructured and placed under the supervision of the Reichsluftahrtministerium (National Air Ministry) supervised by Hermann Göring.
On April 29, 1933, the Deutches Luftschutz association was renamed RLB, Reichs Luftschutz Bund. It was given the status of an official national organization in charge of all aspects of civil defense against air strikes. The RLB remained a voluntary organization with a small cadre of paid, full-time uniformed officers to supervise the functions until 1935 when the compulsory service was introduced.
Only the most basic uniform and equipment items were delivered to the executives. The rest had to be purchased personally by members. On September 26, 1938, a specific helmet for RLB was proposed with a raised horizontal "bead" between the visors and the crown. Commonly referred to as the "Gladiator" style, these helmets were complemented by M35, M40 and M42 helmets that also feature a raised horizontal "bead" between the visors and crown. The Luftschutz also used a variety of captured helmets.
Found: Zottegem, Belgium (JN0090)
Brodie Helmet
± 1942
The Englishman John Brodie designed this helmet in 1915. That is why it is also called a Brodie helmet. The helmet has some similarities with a medieval kettle hat. This helmet could be pressed from one piece of steel and thus cheaply made. The helmet provided the necessary protection against shrapnel. During the First World War it was used by the British Army and taken over by the American Army. The helmet had a shallow cup shape and a wide brim. The first copies had some flaws. The edge was too sharp, and they reflected too much light. The interior was also adjusted. After the war it was further developed and used until the Second World War.
The first inserts were clumsy and uncomfortable. This first model interior was bad and broke quickly. The second model was a big improvement and remained in use during WWI. Many soldiers were also unhappy about this interior, because it was loose, causing the helmet to shake on the men's heads during running and marches. In mid-1917, a rubber ring was placed under the felt in the top of the helmet, extending production time. The size of the helmet is usually printed on the chin strap. Soldiers who had some money bought on leave, in England, an interior that was comfortable.
English Canteen + Water Carrier. Found: Zottegem, Belgium (JN0091)
Canteen with Water Carrier
± 1942
The canteen does not have a screw cap, but a cork. The cork and enamel are in good condition. This type of bottle was also used in WWI.
From 1940 on, a "bucket type" was again chosen as the water carrier. Other models had a cover with the bottle sticking out of the cover. After that, the sleeve returned to its full length by default. The fastening strap can be changed with the help of buckles.
R A 43. Found: Diekirch, Luxembourg (JN0032)
American Bullet
± 1943
We acquired a round, head stamped RA 43 (Remington Arms). It appears the case appear is made of steel.
We found a couple of things interesting about this bullet. First, we guess that steel was used possibly because of shortage of brass, being 1943 and being in the thick of WW2. Also, we were very much surprised at the high speeds of the RA 43 ammunition, but equally surprised at how consistent it was.
Steel cased ammo was made in 1943 for the same reason that steel pennies were made in 1943. Copper was in very short supply, and copper is the main ingredient in brass. That kind of ammo is corrosive primed.
Remington Arms were manufactured in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Apparently they were made by quite a few makers. Then you just get different letters on it. The two digits usually indicate the year. Although it may be that for 44 they only use a 4.
We thought the bullet was used in the M1903 Springfield, in the beginning of the 1940s Remington Arms manufactured these kind of weapons but with .30 caliber. Apparently this type of ammo fit in a .50 caliber. In WW2, a Browning Machine gun was the most commonly used in airplanes.
The M2 machine gun or Browning .50 caliber machine gun is a heavy machine gun designed toward the end of WWI by John Browning. It chambered the .30-06 cartridge. The M2 uses the much larger and much powerful .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun), referred to as "Ma Deuce". It is effective against infantry, unarmed or lightly armored vehicles and boats, light fortifications and low-flying aircrafts.
The Browning Machine Gun has been extensively used as a vehicle weapon and for aircrafts armament by the United States from the 1930s to the present (2021). During WWII it was heavily used. But also during the Korean War, Vietnam War, Falklands War, Soviet-Afghan War, Gulf war, Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan. The M2 has been in use longer than any other firearm in the US, except the .45 ACP M1911 pistol.
English Knapsack. Found: Zottegem, Belgium (JN0093)
Officers Haversack
± 1943
Officers enlisted after December 31, 1938 would have to purchase a set, using outfit allowance. This modified knapsack was "... for the transport of papers, message blocks (= memo blocks) and other items that officers need ...".
The modified knapsack is never mentioned and appears to have been quietly changed to the revised officers haversack, and would also be intended for certain office holders and officers without crew.
In 1940 the opinion changed and the knapsack became obsolete, and all issued copies had to be returned. They would be issued to other ranks. In 1941 the knapsack had to be reintroduced for officers. Those that had been issued to others had to be taken back.
In the modified knapsacks, the buckles were now sewn on the edges at the back. The handle was retained in the new design and a half-deep external pocket was sewn to the front. These pockets were closed with a press stud.
Sunscreen
± 1944
The nobility and the bourgeoisie shunned the sun before the Late Modern Period. Men and women armed themselves with clothing, hats and umbrellas. Powders and creams were also used to make the skin as light as possible.
German chemist Wilhelm Ritter discovered in 1801 the existence of invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation and proved that it was the main cause of sunburn. For the time being that remained an academic fact.
Biels Pinzen received, in 1903, the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his treatment of tuberculosis and rickets with sunlight. Heliotherapy, the sun bath was good for a lot of things.
From the 1920s things changed quickly. Western man discovered sunbathing. Before, the view on the body had changed. The corsets were thrown off. The pristine state became the new ideal. The body had to be able to develop freely. The sun as a symbol of the nature and the pure were embraced. The growing popularity of sunbathing created the demand for products that could prevent burning without having to deny yourself the sunbath. An product was sought that could block UV radiation. Once everyone tried to avoid the sun. About 1925, it turned out exactly the other way around. Fashion magazines testify this. In 1929, the American magazine Harper's Bazaar, dedicated a great article to the new solar cult. With the conclusion, if you are not tanned, you do not belong. You had to be brown, with fair means or not.
The first commercial cream was launched: Ambre Solaire, in 1935 by L'Oréal, France. More soon followed. The next year, a Dutch journal released a kind of manual for tanning. Sunbathing is healthy if used properly. Beware of exaggeration, as too much sun resulted in sunburn. Just before WWII, Franz Greitzer launched in Austria his 'Glacier Cream' in 1938.
The German Nivea, already active with cosmetic spreads, did not stay behind. Sunscreen was included in the standard equipment of American soldiers sent to the Pacific battlefield. It was called 'Red Pet Vet', or red vaseline, an ointment based on petroleum, enriched with a pleasant scent, to become a commercial hit under the name of Coppertone.
The ointment "Glacier Cream" became a worldwide success after the Second World War, under the name "Piz Buin", named after the mountain where Greiter once suffered a severe burn. The company, Piz Buin, developed a method in 1962 ofto reduce the protection factor of cream to measure and thus set a standard. The widespread introduction of vacation as a working condition gave tanning a boost. Mass tourism brought Europeans to sunny places. A tan showed that he could afford a vacation. Brown was considered natural and healthy. The tanning bed made its appearance, just like self-tanning creams.
It was already known, at the end of the 20th century, that solar radiation could cause skin cancer. It was now determined that overexposure to the sun was actually the cause of skin cancer. You could sunbathe, but not too long and certainly not unprotected. For the sunscreen, this unleashed a 'competition' for the highest protection factor.
At the beginning of the 21st century, some clothing offered limited protection against UV radiation. Special clothing with a protection factor of 80 came onto the market. The use of tanning beds were even discouraged in 2014, by Brazil and Australia, and subject to all kinds of legal regulations. Dutch dermatologists advocated such a measure in 2015. The prediction of solar power is a fixed part of the weather forecast. Scientists think they are developing a pill that protects against UV radiation from the inside after ingestion. It has been copied from a coral in Australia. There the coral uses a substance, secreted by algae, to protect itself against sunburn.
English First Aid Basic Bag. Found: Zottegem, Belgium (JN0092)
Pouch with Quick Release Closure
± 1945
A later type of Basic pouch had a "quick release" closure. A grommet has been added to the bottom of the bag to allow water to drain.
A staple is attached to the lid. The short strap sewn to the link is attached to the pouch. The link fits on the staple and the end of the tab is tucked away. To open it, just pull the free end of the tab. That works very simply. If the tab gets worn out and starts to fray, it will be a chore to get the end through the staple.
This bag was converted for first aid, while the standard bags were used to store ammunition.
Commemorative Medal of 1940-1945 War
± 1945
The Commemorative Medal of the 1940-45 War was a military decoration of Belgium to recognize Belgian servicemen and women, who served during World War II. It was established by royal decree of the Prince Regent in 1945. It was also awarded to members of the Belgian Resistance and members of Belgium's Merchant Navy on the side of the Allies. Later decrees allowed for its award to foreign recipients of the Belgian "Croix de Geurre" (= French for "Cross of War").
The medal was made of bronze. The obverse bore a large V for victory sign, with a relief roaring lion in the V. At the lower were the reliefs '1940' and '1945'. The medal was encircled with a laurel wreath on both sides of the medal. On the reverse is marked in Dutch "Herinneringsmedaille", meaning "Commemorative Medal". The medal was suspended by a ring through a lateral suspension loop from a 37 mm wide yellow silk moiré ribbon, 8 mm wide edge stripes composed of 2 mm wide stripes of yellow, black, white and black. The yellow being closes to the edges.
Many ribbon divices are allowed on the ribbon. This exemplar has crossed sabres, detoning combat service in the 1940 campaign or service in the armed resistance.
The veteran recieving this medal was of the opinion that this medal wasn't anything glamorous. It was not something honorable, rather insulting. In fact it remembered him to the hell he went through. A time he wanted to forget, and refused to even talk about the cruelties he witnessed.
Shield Window Fragment. Found: Hanford, Washington, US (JN0722)
Manhattan Project
± 1945
The Manhattan Project was the code name for the research and development efforts that allowed the United States to rapidly develop a series of atomic breakthroughs during World War II. The United States received the support of the United Kingdom and Canada. The first industrial-scale plutonium production reactor and the first atomic bombs were some of these breakthroughs.
It started modestly in 1939 but grew into employment for more than a hundred thousand scientists, engineers, technicians, and construction workers involved in this huge project. They were distributed in more than 30 locations in the U.S. The most famous locations were Hanford, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge, and Trinity.
Our specimen is a fragment of a leaded glass window installed in the T Plant (221-T) Plutonium Recovery Building. This was the first and the largest of two chemical bismuth phosphate separation production plants used to extract plutonium from irradiated fuel rods in the reactors at the Hanford Site. The plutonium produced was used in both the Trinity test (= the first detonation of a nuclear weapon) on July 16, 1945, and in the “Fat Man” atomic bomb dropped over Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945.
In 1942 there were concerns that the sites would be too close to a major population center in the unlikely event of a major nuclear accident. Hanford was a potential location. It was isolated and near the Columbia River, which could provide enough water to cool the reactors that would produce the plutonium. The federal government relocated approximately 1.500 residents from White Bluffs, Hanford, nearby settlements and the Wanapum tribe, causing significant problems. Disputes did not delay construction. Like other sites, the town of Richland, near the Hanford site, was a gated community with limited access. It looked like a typical American wartime boomtown. High fences, towers and watchdogs were less obvious. The reactor was started up in 1944.
At the end of the 1980s, the glass was sold during a government surplus auction. It was part of the long and ongoing decommissioning process. The yellow color of the glass is due to a high concentration of up to 70% lead oxide which blocks blue and near-UV spectral frequencies. It gives the glass its protective properties.
Prisoner of War Medal 1940-1945
± 1947
The Prisoner of War Medal 1940-1945 was a Belgian war service medal established by royal decree in 1947. It is awarded to all members of Belgian Armed Forces imprisoned by Axis Forces during WWII. The medal was a 38 mm in diameter circular bronze medal and a 25 mm high royal crown mounted on a pin.
The obverse bore a broadsword pointing down, superimposed over a Greek cross with slightly flared ends and bisecting the years "1940 - 1945", inscribed in relief on the lateral cross. A ring of barbed wire encircles the cross along the entire circumferences 3 mm from the medal's edge. The reverse bore a guard tower and prison camp fence surrounded by the entire circumference 3 mm from the medal's edge.
The medal was suspended by a ring through the crown's orb from a 37 mm wide black silk moiré ribbon with narrow longitudinal 1 mm red/black/red/black/red stripes 2 mm from the edges. Years of imprisonment were denoted on the ribbon by small striated metal bars.
The veteran who owned this exemplar stated that he only survived his imprisonment by the respect and help he recieved from a German soldier, who guarded the camp. The guard warned the Belgian prisoner when German proposals were made to the prisoners. He advised the prisoner what to do at the moment, by only nodding or shaking his head, just because he had an affinity with the soldier's Flemish dialect. The German risked his own life, and that of the soldier just by doing so. The two men only spoke a few brief moments, but it was enough to proof there were heroes on both sides of the conflict.