Original Uniforms and Equipment
For Soviet reenactors it is more difficult to acquire and compare original uniforms and items to reproductions, say compared to German or GI reenactors (at least here in the United States). This article will give people the chance to view entire infantry setups put together with original uniforms and gear only.
Rifleman on the march 1942.
Rifleman on the attack 1942.
Sapper equipped with VIM-203 mine detector on a demining mission 1942.
Sapper equipped with probing pole on a demining mission 1943.
On November 21st, 1942, a new uniform design was submitted for all personnel of the Red Army. This new garment featured a standing collar similar to the uniforms worn by the imperial Russian army, open button plank, lack of breast pockets, and insignia in the form of shoulder straps or погоны. This new uniform was approved officially by Order of the People’s Commissar of Defense of the USSR No. 25 of January 15, 1943. Thus birthing the обр.43 гимнастерка. This beautiful example is made from a standard double twill cotton in khaki color and features metal dish buttons with accompanying shoulder straps with the rank of сержант (serzhant/Sergeant) of the Red Army.
Infantry officer 1943/45.
Soviet POW 1942.
The first photo is Leningrad defense personnel 1942. The second photo, a full women’s uniform set for a младший лейтенант (mladshay leytenant or Jr lieutenant) of the medical corps of the Red Army. Women served a large role in the RKKA during the course of the Great Patriotic War, with over 800,000 serving across the various branches. This is one of many uniform combinations that can be seen over the many titles and positions women held in the RKKA.
Soldier in a standard infantry kit that could be seen in the winter of 1942/43.
Officer with a coat made from American lend lease wool.
