WW1 A Battle of Chantel Chehery 1918 Souvenired Imperial German Army Pork Pie Field Cap

A wonderful WW1 souvenir and a singular wonderful display item. A German army firewood cap or Pork Pie cap souvenired by a US serviceman during the 1918 battle of Chantel Chehery.

Field grey wool with black cap band and scarlet red piping for Artillery units. Has both state Prussian and national cockades fitted to the front. The white calico lining still with the original manufacturer depot and regimental ink stamps. The top hand written in ink “Captured at Chantel Chehery By Lt John Hewitt 109th FA”.

Overall heavy moth damage from poor storage over the last 100 odd years but actually adds an appealing display factor giving it a worn field used beat up look.


Comes with an original phot postcard of two German artilleryman in field grey uniform wearing such caps.
A good display a compliment I think.

The 1918 battle was part of the final Allied push, where the U.S. 109th Field Artillery Regiment was part of the 28th Infantry Division and saw significant combat in World War I, including the Oise-Aisne, Ypres-Lys, Meuse-Argonne, Champagne, and Lorraine offensives. Commanded by Colonel Asher Miner, the regiment experienced intense fighting on the Western Front, where Miner was severely wounded but recognized with the Distinguished Service Cross.
The regiment arrived in France in May 1918 and saw action in the Second Battle of the Marne (July 1918) before entering the "Advanced Zone" in August.
Intense fighting: The regiment participated in some of the most intense fighting on the Western Front, with the Meuse-Argonne Offensive being a principal engagement for the American Expeditionary Forces.
The 109th Field Artillery was credited with combat participation in:
Oise-Aisne
Ypres-Lys
Meuse-Argonne
Champagne 1918
Lorraine 1918


The regiment returned to the United States in 1919 and was demobilized in Wilkes-Barre, PA, after a massive welcome-home celebration.

Details on the internet confirms that a John Martin Hewitt, PA 1895-1963 was serving as a 2nd Lt with Btry E 109th Field Artillery during WWI.

Code: 3118