Ritterkreuzträger with Schutzbrille (Goggle)

Wehrmacht goggles were an important piece of protective equipment used by German military personnel during the Second World War, particularly by motorcycle dispatch riders, armored vehicle crews, reconnaissance troops, and soldiers operating in dusty, snowy, or high-speed environments. Manufactured by several German firms, these goggles typically featured metal or leather frames fitted with shatter-resistant glass or celluloid lenses and were secured by adjustable elastic straps designed to fit over field caps, helmets, or Panzer headgear. Motorcycle troops relied on them to shield their eyes from wind, dust, rain, and insects while traveling at high speeds, while Panzer crews used them during operations conducted with open hatches or when exposed to smoke and debris on the battlefield. Specialized versions were also employed by Gebirgsjäger units in alpine conditions and by troops serving on the Eastern Front, where snow glare and extreme weather posed additional hazards. The design emphasized durability, comfort, and practicality, often incorporating ventilation openings to reduce lens fogging. Wartime photographs frequently show Wehrmacht soldiers wearing goggles around their necks when not in use, making them one of the most recognizable accessories of German field equipment. Today, original Wehrmacht goggles are highly sought after by military collectors and historians because they illustrate the German military's attention to specialized equipment for different combat roles and environmental conditions.

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WINDSCHUTZBRILLE

Oberstleutnant Wilhelm Walther (1910-2010), born on 27 January 1910 in Dresden, Sachsen (German Empire), was one of the most notable officers of the German special operations forces during the Second World War and became the first member of the famous Bau-Lehr-Bataillon z.b.V. 800 “Brandenburg” to receive the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes. Originally serving with Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5 of the 2. Panzer-Division, Walther transferred to the secretive Brandenburg commando formation in March 1940 and was soon entrusted with a daring mission during the invasion of the Netherlands. On 10 May 1940, as an Oberleutnant and Stoßtruppführer of the 4. Kompanie, Bau-Lehr-Bataillon z.b.V. 800 “Brandenburg”, he led a small assault team disguised as Dutch military police escorting German prisoners in order to infiltrate and seize the strategically vital railway bridge over the Maas River near Gennep. Despite being heavily outnumbered, facing armed Dutch guards, and operating deep behind enemy security positions, Walther displayed exceptional initiative and courage, improvising under pressure when the mission appeared compromised. During the fierce struggle for control of the bridge, he and his men cut communication lines, prevented demolition preparations, and secured the crossing long enough for German armoured forces to advance. Walther himself was wounded when a bullet struck his helmet, but he continued directing the operation until the bridge and surrounding defenses were fully captured. The successful seizure of the Gennep bridge opened a crucial route for advancing German forces toward the Dutch defensive lines and contributed significantly to the rapid breakthrough into the Netherlands. In recognition of his leadership, personal bravery, and the strategic importance of the operation, Wilhelm Walther was awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on 24 June 1940, beginning a distinguished wartime career that later saw him command formations within the Division “Brandenburg” and participate in operations across the Balkans, Greece, and the Eastern Front.

Source :
"Brandenburger: Wartime Photographs of Wilhelm Walther" by Anthony Rogers
https://alifrafikkhan.blogspot.com/2013/07/album-foto-schutzbrille-kacamata.html