M31 Luftwaffe gas mask with two tone camouflage canister unit marked Flak-Abteilung 441 'Caen' Normandy 1944′

Very interesting – untouched – complete M31 gas mask with canister. The canister is nicely camouflaged with a rough brush in grass green colors combined with brown. Complete with carrying straps attached. Mask itself is a desirable rubber version in good condition, complete with filter. Spare glasses are present. The best part is of course the name and unit marking from HVM Petri L 10876 LGP Paris. This field post number is attached to the gemischte Flak-Abteilung 441 part of the 13th Flak division. This division was stationed in Caen (Normandy) during the invasion.The Reserve Flak Battalion 441 was formed on 26 August 1939 in Essen from elements of the I./Flak Regiment 44, initially consisting of three heavy and two light batteries. Later in 1939 the unit was stationed in Jena.From April 1941 the battalion was based in Caen, France, where in July 1942 it was redesignated as Mixed Flak Battalion 441 (v). In 1943 the unit was expanded to a total of six batteries.In July 1943, while subordinated to the staff of Flak Regiment 15, the battalion suffered heavy losses during the fighting connected with the Allied invasion preparations and air attacks. The remaining elements were dissolved in October 1944.In December 1944 the battalion was re-formed with five batteries and subsequently deployed within Luftgau XIV.