If you do not take into account the dress uniform, then the most important component of military uniforms is its functionality. During combat operations, soldiers must be provided with uniforms and equipment for convenience and practicality. Since ancient times, by the uniform they recognize their own and others. The goal is pursued one - to be seen where to shoot and recognize their comrades and the enemy.
In ancient times, when the uniform of a warrior was pretentious and replete with decorations and decorations, there were curious cases. historical fact is the case with the partisan Patriotic War 1812 by Denis Davydov. The peasants, who were poorly versed in uniforms, mistook his detachment for French marauders or food masters and fought back, which almost cost the life of the brave partisan and his subordinates. The whole thing was in the hussar uniform, which was similar to the hussar uniform of the French. After that, Denis Davydov was forced to change into a Cossack, which was the uniform of Russian Cossacks.
During World War II the personnel of the army of the warring parties were uniformed in accordance with the traditions and economic capabilities of a particular state. At the same time, it should be noted that uniforms and equipment changed depending on the time of year and the theaters of hostilities.
Workers' and Peasants' Red Army
On the equipment and uniforms Red Army soldiers were influenced by the Winter (Soviet-Finnish) War of 1939-1940. It was during the fighting on the Karelian Isthmus and north of Lake Ladoga that it turned out that the soldiers of the Red Army were not equipped for winter conditions. “The equipment of the troops, primarily riflemen, did not meet the conditions of the winter, and even as severe as the past one. There were few felt boots, there were not enough sheepskin coats, mittens; the old helmet turned out to be of little use for wearing in great cold and it needed to be replaced with a hat with earflaps.
The soldiers of the Red Army were equipped according to the time of year. In the summer, caps and helmets were used. The most common was a steel helmet. AT initial period war, the old SSH-40 helmet was still used, which had an overlay on its top. It was provided in order to protect the head from a saber strike. According to legend, Marshal of the Soviet Union Semyon Mikhailovich Budyonny took part in its development. However, it was replaced by a lighter and more comfortable steel helmet. The war has shown That the enemy will not reach saber attacks.
The personnel of the rifle units were shod in cowhide boots or boots with canvas windings. During mass mobilization, cowhide boots were replaced with tarpaulin boots.
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0 - Soldiers of the Red Army during the fighting in Stalingrad
2 - Soldiers of the Red Army at the end of the war
In winter, hats with earflaps were introduced with falling earmuffs that protected the neck and ears from frost. The lightweight uniform also included cotton tunics with breast welt pockets, harem pants, and a woolen overcoat with hooks. The overcoat was adjusted taking into account her socks on a quilted padded jacket.
for storage property a satchel or duffel bag was used. However, even during the Finnish campaign, it was noted that there were not enough satchels for supply, which was more convenient as an item of equipment. But its production (leather or tarpaulin was used) was expensive. Therefore, the soldiers of the rifle units were equipped with duffel bags.
Water was carried in an aluminum flask. From aluminum savings, flasks of the same shape began to be made from bottle glass with a plug (rather than a screw cap). These flasks are also hanging in a bag from the belt. But neither convenience nor practicality, they did not possess. At the end of the Great Patriotic War, their production was almost curtailed.
Grenades and cartridges were worn on the belt - in special pouches. In addition, the outfit included a bag for a gas mask. The Red Army wore raincoats, which could be used to design individual and group tents. The tent set included an aluminum peg and a coil of hemp rope. In winter, the uniform was supplemented with a short fur coat, a padded jacket or padded jacket, fur mittens, felt boots and padded pants.
Thus, the uniform of the Red Army seemed to have been thought out to the smallest detail: in the duffel bag of the 1942 model there was even a compartment for an ax. It follows from the documents that the uniform of a Red Army soldier was of high quality and practical. Numerous pockets, bags for ammunition greatly facilitated the conduct of hostilities.
Army of Nazi Germany (Wehrmacht)
field uniform a Wehrmacht soldier included: a steel helmet with a double-sided cover, an overcoat, a gas mask case, a harness, rifle or automatic pouches, a cape, a bowler hat. A leather satchel was used to store property. German soldiers put on leather boots. Moreover, by the beginning of the German attack on Soviet Union, the leather and shoe industry throughout Europe worked for the needs of the Third Reich. Wehrmacht uniforms were produced at the Hugo Boss factory and were complete for European territories. The calculation for a lightning war did not provide for the procurement of warm clothes (short coats, fur products, felted boots and hats). The eastern front, with its frosts, required a completely different approach. The first winter the soldiers froze.
First of all, warm clothes save you from frost. Troops provided with uniforms for the season are able to withstand any frost. Analyzing the memoirs of German servicemen relating to this period, you understand how unsatisfactorily the Wehrmacht army was provided, buried in the winter of 1941. “The lack of warm clothes became our main misfortune in the next few months and caused our soldiers a lot of suffering ...” - recalls the commander of the 2nd tank army (group), Colonel-General G. Guderian.
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1 - Wehrmacht soldiers in summer uniform 1941
2 - Wehrmacht soldiers in winter uniform after 1943.
By the second winter, things had changed. AT uniform insulated jackets, quilted pants were introduced, as well as woolen gloves, sweaters and socks. But this was not enough. To solve the problem of supplying the troops with warm uniforms and footwear and to save their soldiers from the cold, the troops began to make straw boots that are worn over ordinary boots. However, in the memoirs of German soldiers, which now appeared on the bookshelves, one can find comparative evaluation uniforms of Soviet and German soldiers. This assessment was not in favor of the latter's uniform. Most of all, there are complaints about German soldier's overcoats, sewn from fabric that is not adapted to any frost due to the low wool content.
British Royal Armed Forces
The British soldiers did not have a single field uniform. It was different depending on the parts of the country that are part of the Commonwealth countries. The personnel of the dominion units had elements and distinctive features in uniforms, including field uniforms. Field uniform included: a collared blouse or woolen shirt, a steel helmet, loose trousers, a gas mask bag, a holster with a long belt, black boots and overcoats (jackets). By the beginning of hostilities in Europe, a uniform was adopted that was different from the previous one. separate elements. In connection with the mass call of recruits, the form was simplified and became more universal.
During the war, there were minor changes, in particular, a lining appeared at the collar and other elements of clothing that prevented the rough twill from rubbing against exposed skin. Buckles began to be produced with teeth. Instead of boots, British soldiers were provided with boots with short windings. British soldiers had to wear a heavy down-lined tropal cloak. Knitted balaclavas were worn under helmets in cold weather. In the conditions of the African desert, the uniform was lightweight and often consisted of shorts and shirts with short sleeves.
It should be noted that the uniforms of the British army were intended for the European theater of operations. When landing in Norway, soldiers of special units were provided with Arctic uniforms, but this was not widespread.
1 - Sgt. Territorial Guard of Wales. England, 1940
2 - Sgt. 1st Command, 1942
United States military
field uniform American soldiers for many years was considered the most convenient and thoughtful in the conditions of World War II. The uniform included a woolen shirt, a light field jacket, trousers with linen spats, low brown boots, a helmet or cap. Functionality was distinguished by all the clothes of US soldiers. The jacket was fastened with a zipper and buttons and was equipped with slit pockets on the sides. The best equipment allowed the Americans to become arctic kit, consisting of a warm parka jacket, lace-up boots with fur. The command of the US Armed Forces was convinced that the American soldier had the best equipment. This statement is controversial, however, it has its own reason.
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3 - Officer of the 10th Mountain Division
Japanese Imperial Army
During World War II, the Japanese had three types of uniform. Each of them included a uniform, trousers, an overcoat and a cape. For warm weather, a cotton version is provided, for cold weather - woolen. The outfit also included a helmet, boots or boots. Warm uniforms were provided by servicemen operating in the north of China, Manchuria and Korea.
For a more severe climate, such uniforms were not suitable, because the uniform included overcoats with fur cuffs, woolen quilted trousers, and underpants. It was suitable only for certain latitudes with a tropical climate.
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2 - Japanese army infantryman in tropical uniform.
Italian army
Outfit Italian soldiers were more suited to the southern European climate. For operations in severe weather conditions of 1941-943, the uniform of the Italian military was completely unsuitable. During the Second World War, soldiers of the Italian Armed Forces wore a shirt and tie, a single-breasted tunic with a waist belt, breeches with tapes or wool knee-high socks, ankle boots. Some soldiers were more comfortable using breeches.
A uniform not suitable for winter campaigns. The overcoat was sewn from cheap coarse cloth, which did not warm at all in the cold. The army was not equipped with winter clothing. Insulated options were available only to representatives of the mountain troops. The Italian newspaper Province of Como noted in 1943 that only a tenth of the soldiers during their stay in Russia were provided with a suitable uniform for this.
Italian command statistics report that 3,600 soldiers suffered from hypothermia during the first winter alone.
1 - Private Army Group "Albania"
Army of France
French soldiers fought in colored uniform. They were outfitted in single-breasted button-down tunics, double-breasted overcoats with side pocket flaps. The floors of the overcoat could be buttoned back to make it easier to walk. The clothes had belt loops. Foot troops wore breeches with windings. There were three types of hats. The most popular was the kepi. Adrian's helmets were also actively worn. Them distinguishing feature- Emblem on the front.
In very cold weather, the French uniform expanded its range to a sheepskin coat. Such clothes can hardly be called optimal for different weather conditions.
1 - Private of the Free French Army
2 - Private Moroccan troops "Free France"
Determine which dress was exemplary difficult. Each army was provided depending on the economic opportunities and the planned regions of the troops' operations. However, there were often miscalculations when the calculation was based on a lightning war, and the troops had to operate in severe cold conditions.
World War II, characterized by posterity as a war of motors. Despite the large number of mechanized units, cavalry units were also very widely used in the German army. A huge share of supplies for the needs of the army was transported by horse units. Cavalry units were used in almost all divisions. During the war, the importance of the cavalry increased greatly. The cavalry was widely used in the courier service, reconnaissance, artillery, food service, and even in infantry units. On the Eastern Front, "Yes, no one can conquer our vast expanses and almost complete off-road "without a horse there is nowhere, and then there are partisans, horse units were also often used to fight them. The uniform for the mounted troops was the same as for the rest of the army with the addition of several elements of clothing: the soldiers of the mounted troops received breeches and riding boots, and not M 40 boots. Tunic model 1940, collar painted in the same color as and a tunic. Eagle on chest white color, later gray cotton was used, field gray shoulder straps, with dark green piping were used until the end of the war.
The breeches remained unchanged throughout the war, the leather inserts in the seat area were painted dark grey colour, or native natural brown. Riding breeches were the same regardless of rank. Sometimes, instead of a leather insert in the seat area, double material was used. Riding boots used a longer shaft, and such a necessary attribute as spurs M31 spurs (Anschnallsporen).
Standard saddle during the war was M25 (Armcesattel 25), wooden frame covered with leather. Used on saddle various strapping to transport something, bags were attached to the front, the left for the horse (food, service), the right for the personal kit.
Cavalry officer of the Wehrmacht, uniform, Russia 1941-44
After the outbreak of the war with Russia, it became clear that the wear and tear of military uniforms would be higher than in other companies. An order dated October 1939 states that clothing should be standard in a war zone. Officers ordering uniforms individually have changed uniforms only by adding the officer's insignia. The officer's uniform had a difference on the tunic sleeve of the cuff, and a dark green color of the collar, such as on pre-war samples. Silver finish shoulder straps and collar tabs. has a more muted color.
The photo shows that the tunic is remade from a soldier's one, there are holes on the belt for the hooks of the ammunition kit.
German uniform, tunic converted from a soldier's
There were two types of standard army model signal pistol (Leuchtpistole - Heeres Modell - also known as Signalpistole) adopted in 1928, was one of two types used throughout the war: a long-barreled one was adopted from 1935. Cartridge, 2.7cm notched for identification in the dark.
Germany invaded Russia on June 22, 1941, the campaign plan stipulated that before the onset of winter the Red Army should be destroyed. Despite the achievements and victories, by the beginning of winter, German troops were stuck near Moscow. At the end of November, the Red Army launched a counteroffensive, crushing and repelling the Germans. Slowly, the counteroffensive weakens and the armies move on to positional battles. The winter of 1941 was very severe and frosty. For such a winter, the German troops were completely unprepared.
In peaceful stock of winter kits was limited. Yes, and those were adequate only for winter in a temperate climate, and not the icy horror of the winter of 1941 in Russia. Losses from frostbite very soon exceeded losses from battle wounds. And some tasks for the army are very specific, for example, a sentry or a reconnaissance outpost - they were especially dangerous, soldiers long time were exposed to frost, especially the limbs suffered. The troops improvised to survive, using captured Russian uniforms. They put paper and straw in shoes and boots, tried to wear as many layers of clothing as they could find.
to save from the frost did and so
In Germany, events were organized to collect warm and fur winter clothes to be sent to the front for freezing soldiers.
The watchcoat (Ubermantel) was introduced in November 1934 for vehicle drivers and sentries. It was available as one of the few anti-freeze agents available, and was widely used during the first winter in Russia. The overcoat had increased dimensions, and increased length. The collar of the pre-war model had a dark green color, which was later changed to gray in the color of the overcoat.
Fur jackets were worn under the overcoat, either locally produced, taken from the population, or donated by civilians from Germany. rabbit fur jacket with wooden buttons.
Winter boots for soldiers performing static duties such as sentries. Sewn from felt and reinforced with leather strips, for insulation on wooden soles up to 5 cm.
Knitted gloves had a standard pattern and were made of gray wool. Gloves were made in four sizes, small, medium, large and extra large. Size is indicated by white rings around the wrists, ranging from one (small) to four (extra large). The scarf hood was universal, tucked into the collar, served to protect the neck and ears, adjusted at will, worn as a balaclava.
Field uniform of a soldier of the Wehrmacht army police, a motorcyclist, in the south of Russia, 1942-44
The Army Field Police (Feldgendarmerie des Heeres) were formed during the German mobilization in 1939. Experienced officers from the civil gendarmerie police were recruited for work, and this formed the backbone of the cadre, along with non-commissioned officers from the army. The Feldgendarmerie battalion was subordinate to the army, consisting of three officers, 41 non-commissioned officers and 20 soldiers. The unit was motorized and equipped with motorcycles, light and heavy vehicles, they carried small arms and machine guns. Their duties were as broad as their powers. They supervised all movements, checked documents of troops en route, collected documents and information about prisoners, conducted anti-guerrilla operations, detained deserters, and generally maintained order and discipline. The Feldgendarmerie was in full power to pass undividedly through guard posts and safe zones, as well as to demand the documents of any military man, regardless of rank.
They wore the same uniform as the rest of the army, differing only in orange trim and a special badge on the left sleeve. Their decoration gorget of the field gendarmerie "Feldgendarmerie, this showing that the owner is on duty and empowered to investigate. Because of this chain, they were given the nickname "Ketienhund" or "chained dog".
The motorcyclist raincoat (Kradmantel) was more often made in a waterproof design, made of rubberized fabric, gray or green. field color fabrics. On the picture olive color used in Africa, Southern Europe and southern Russia. There were two loops at the top, which made it possible to fasten the collar and close the neck like an overcoat.
With the help of buttons at the bottom of the raincoat, the floors could be tucked up and fastened to the belt, convenient while riding a motorcycle. Feldgendarmerie field gendarmerie gorget the sign was designed to be clearly visible even at night in the light of car headlights. The crescent plate was made from stamped steel.
The pendant chain was about 24 cm long and made of light metal. On a standard army belt, soldiers wore two triplets of 32-round magazines for a 9mm MP40 submachine gun, sometimes unknowingly called Schmeiser.
The first months of 1943 were a turning point for the German Wehrmacht. The disaster at Stalingrad cost Germany about 200,000 killed and captured, for reference, about 90% of the prisoners died within a few weeks after being captured. And four months later, about 240,000 soldiers surrendered in Tunisia. German troops fought in frost and heat, in winter and summer, units were increasingly transferred between distant fronts to deal with emergencies. Various items of military uniforms were simplified and cheaper, quality suffered as a result, but the constant desire for research and development of new elements reflects the concern that troops should have the best uniforms and equipment possible.
The use of cane led to the introduction of a special green uniform. This lightweight and durable outfit was especially popular as a replacement for field grey, woolen uniforms on the hot southern fronts in Russia and the Mediterranean countries. The uniform was introduced in early 1943. The form will occur in a variety of shades from aquamarine to light gray.
The M42 Steel Helmet (Steel Helmet-Modell 1942) was introduced in April 1942 as a forced cost-saving measure; the dimensions and shapes of the M35 have been retained. The helmet is made by stamping, the edge is not folded and rolled, but simply curved outward and cut off. The quality of steel is also not up to par, some alloying additives have been removed, the economy begins to feel a shortage of some elements. To protect the gun, gunners are issued a personal P08 pistol.
Gunner's badge on the left forearm, in the photo of the tunic.
Although half boots (Schnurschuhe) began to be introduced in August 1940 to conserve leather supplies, the troops zealously kept boots, trying to avoid the use of half boots and spats for as long as possible. In no film about the war you will see a German soldier, in boots and leggings, which is a discrepancy with reality.
Wehrmacht uniforms, boots and leggings
So the German troops in the second half of the war had a very motley appearance,
not much different from our encirclement of the first half of the war.
The spats resembled the English "bracelets" and were almost certainly a direct copy, they were extremely unpopular.
At the start of the war, Germany was able to field three full divisions of mountain riflemen (Gebirgstruppen). The troops are trained and equipped to carry out operations in mountainous areas. To perform combat missions, you must be in good shape, well trained and self-sufficient. Therefore, most of the recruits were taken from the mountainous regions of southern Germany and Austria. Mountain shooters fought in Poland and Norway, landed from the air in Crete, fought in Lapland in the Arctic Circle, in the Balkans, in the Caucasus, and in Italy. Component mountain shooters are units of artillery, reconnaissance, engineering, anti-tank and other auxiliary units, nominally having a mountain qualification. The Model 1943 (Dienstanzug Modell 1943) was introduced for all branches of the ground forces this year to replace all previous models. The new form carries a number of measures, the economy. Patch pockets without folds, while early models had a placket on the pocket.
Pants sample 1943 have more practical design. But due to the difficult economic situation in the country, materials of increasingly lower quality are used for military clothing. Although many soldiers retained the boat-shaped M34 cap for various periods, the 1943 single cap model (Einheitsfeldmiitze M43), which was introduced in 1943, proved to be very popular and was used until the end of the war. The cotton lining will soon be replaced by faux satin. The cap flaps can be folded back and fastened under the chin in bad weather. Something like our everyday life.
Due to the poor quality of the material, six buttons are used instead of the previous five. The tunic could be worn with an open or closed collar. Edelweiss on right sleeve distinctive sign mountain shooters of all ranks and categories, was introduced in May 1939.
Wehrmacht uniform, tunic, Russia 1943-44 full degradation of materials
Standard mountain boots are worn with short windings for ankle support and protection from snow and mud.
Wehrmacht infantry soldier, double combat uniform for winter, Russia 1942-44.
After a disastrous first winter in Russia. It was ordered to develop uniform combat clothing for the next season of the winter campaign. A single combat uniform was tested in Finland. In April 1942, it was given to Hitler for his approval, which was immediately granted. The textile industry received an order to produce one million sets in time for next winter.
In the winter of 1942, some elements were added to the winter combat uniform. Mittens, a woolen scarf, gloves (woolen and fur-lined), additional socks, a pullover, a hood, etc. were added to the new flannel-lined jacket and trousers. While most of the troops received their basic uniforms on time. Double-sided winter uniforms were sorely lacking, infantry had priority for obtaining double-sided uniforms. So the new double-sided padded uniform was not enough for everyone. This is clear from the photographs of the 6th Army, which was defeated near Stalingrad in the winter of 1942-43.
captured soldiers of the Wehrmacht 1942 Bode
The new padded, reversible winter pattern was originally produced in mouse grey, white when turned inside out.
This was soon replaced (during the end of 1942, and certainly by the beginning of 1943) the gray color was replaced by camouflage. During 1943 the winter camouflage uniform (Wintertarnanzug) began to appear in the troops. Camouflage changed from swamp to green-beige. The angular pattern of spots became more blurred. The mittens and hood were painted in the same way as the uniform. This uniform was very popular with the troops and continued to be used until the end of the war.
Wehrmacht winter camouflage uniform jacket (Wintertarnanzug) Russia 1942-44
Wintertarnanzug was first made of cotton with rayon. Lined with layers of wool and cellulose for insulation. All elements and buttons are made on both sides. The hood was also double-breasted and fastened with six buttons on the jacket. The trousers were made from the same material as the jacket and had drawstrings for adjustment.
All trouser buttons were made of resin or plastic, although metal buttons are also found.
The military uniform of the Wehrmacht soldiers changed rapidly during the war, new solutions were found, but the photographs show that every year the quality of the materials used is getting lower and lower, reflecting the economic situation in the Third Reich.
Photo: Alexey GorshkovThe WAS special project is dedicated to the 72nd anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany. Study and compare the infantry uniforms of the seven armies that fought in the European theater of World War II.
Andrey, 35 years old, elevator maintenance engineer
Form: Wehrmacht, 1945
WHAT WEARED
This is a uniform set of 1940, but it could be seen at the end of the war. In 1945, the uniform of different times was already used in the German army. The supply was broken, and everything they had was given out from the warehouses. The set did not remain in use for long even after the war, in the occupation zones until the formation of the GDR and the FRG.
The German uniform made of woolen cloth is considered hot for the summer, but it is comfortable. autumn and in early spring it is much better than in the cotton tunic of the Red Army. During these seasons, the Germans were in a better position.
DETAILS
Caps of the 1943 model entered the Wehrmacht instead of caps. The headdresses of mountain rangers were taken as a sample. Unlike the cap, the cap has a visor to protect the eyes from rain and sun. The lapels are detachable to cover the ears and neck. Closer to 1945, the model was simplified: the lapels became false, decorative.
In battle, they wore a steel helmet. I have it of the 1942 model, also simplified to reduce the cost of production. For example, stamping is now without bends at the edges. And yet, the German helmet protects the ears and neck better than the Soviet one.
The color of the gaps on the buttonholes determined the type of troops. Green (later grey) clearance is a badge of infantry. In the artillery gaps were red. Chevrons were not supposed to be ordinary.
On the pocket is an infantry badge. This is not a reward. It was issued for 10-15 days spent at the front. In fact, this is a certificate of a participant in hostilities.
EQUIPMENT
On my back I have an unloading frame, which is attached to the harness belts. It was introduced at the end of 1941 to increase the number of items worn by a soldier. It can be combined with a backpack or used without it.
A bean-shaped bowler hat is fixed on the frame (tourists still use similar ones) and a raincoat section with a tent set: pegs, half-racks. The tent is assembled from four such panels. A bread bag was fixed under the tent, in which everything needed for a short combat operation could be put: a rifle cleaning kit, a sweater, a towel, a soap dish.
In the form, in addition to the external, visual component, the functional one is also important. A soldier of any country on the battlefield should be comfortable and practical outfit.
According to the art historian M. R. Kirsanova, in war, uniforms are used to recognize friends and foes. S. V. Struchev, costume designer, supplements this statement as follows: “To make it clear who to shoot at. Because the contact between the shooter and the enemy is visual.”
the USSR
The soldiers of the Red Army were well equipped at any time of the year. In the summer, caps and helmets were used. The most common was the SSH-40 helmet. Semyon Budyonny participated in its creation, checking the helmet with checkers and shooting from a revolver. In winter, hats with earflaps were introduced with falling earmuffs that protected the neck and ears from frost. The composition of the lightweight uniform also included cotton tunics with breast welt pockets, harem pants. For storage, a backpack or duffel bag was used. They drank water from glass caps hung in a bag from a belt. Grenades were also worn on the belt - in special bags. In addition, the uniform set included a bag for a gas mask, cartridges. Ordinary Red Army soldiers wore raincoats that could be used as a raincoat. In winter, the uniform was supplemented with a sheepskin coat or a padded jacket with a padded jacket, fur mittens, felt boots and padded pants.
The uniform of the Red Army soldiers seemed to be thought out to the smallest detail: in the duffel bag of the 1942 model there was even a compartment for an ax. This is how one of the Red Army soldiers described the condition of his clothes in a letter: “My clothes are pretty shabby and have no value for the house.” And this is how professor P. M. Shurygin, a participant in the Battle of Rzhev, commented on the army uniform: “Soon we will get quilted trousers, padded jackets, warm underwear. Boots will be given with snow. The material is solid, so you wonder where so much of this beautiful material comes from. From the memoirs it is clear that the uniform of the Red Army was of high quality and practical. Numerous pockets, bags for ammunition greatly facilitated the conduct of hostilities.
Germany
The uniform of the German soldiers was sewn at the factory of Hugo Boss. It included: a steel helmet with a double-sided cover, an overcoat, a gas mask case, a harness, rifle pouches, a cape, and a bowler hat. The uniform of the Wehrmacht was complete for the European territory. The frosty Eastern Front required a completely different approach. The first winter the soldiers were freezing. By the second, there were changes, and insulated jackets, quilted pants, as well as woolen gloves, sweaters and socks were introduced into the uniform. But this was not enough.
Despite the fact that the Soviet uniform was much heavier and easier to manufacture, it was considered more suitable for military operations in winter time. Yury Girev, the reenactor of the Eastern Frontier Club, comments on the difference in the uniforms of the key powers as follows: “The uniform of a soldier of the Red Army was much warmer than the uniform of the Germans. On their feet, our soldiers wore cowhide boots. Winding boots were used more often. One of the German representatives of the Wehrmacht wrote in a message to his relatives: “Passing through Gumrak, I saw a crowd of our retreating soldiers, they are weaving in a wide variety of uniforms, wrapping all kinds of clothing around themselves, just to keep warm. Suddenly one soldier falls into the snow, others indifferently pass by.
Britannia
British soldiers wore field uniforms: a collared blouse or woolen shirt, a steel helmet, loose trousers, a gas mask bag, a holster with a long belt, black boots and overcoats. By the beginning of World War II, a new uniform was adopted. The regular units of the British army received it last, because it was necessary to equip recruits and those whose clothes had already lost their decent look. In the course of the war, minor changes took place, during which a lining appeared at the collar and other elements of clothing that prevented the friction of coarse twill, buckles began to be produced with teeth.
It was not uncommon for British soldiers to wear heavy tropal cloaks lined with down. In order not to freeze, they put on knitted balaclavas under their helmets. Russian historian Igor Drogovoz appreciated the British uniform: “The uniform of the soldiers and officers of the British army has become a role model for all the armies of Europe. In khaki jackets, the entire European military class very soon began to change clothes, and in boots with windings soviet soldiers took Berlin in 1945.
USA
The uniform of American soldiers is objectively considered the most comfortable and thoughtful in the conditions of the Second World War. It was guided by the development of uniforms even in the post-war period. The uniform included a woolen shirt, a light field jacket, trousers with linen leggings, low brown boots, a helmet or cap. So many things have replaced the twill jumpsuit. All the clothes of US soldiers were distinguished by their functionality: the jacket was fastened with a zipper and buttons, and was equipped with cut-out pockets on the sides. The Arctic kit, consisting of a warm parka jacket, lace-up boots with fur, allowed the Americans to become the best equipment. The command of the US Armed Forces is convinced that the American soldier has the best equipment. One of the Red Army men spoke of their shoes with special reverence: “What good lace-up boots they had!”
Japan
During the Second World War, the Japanese had a uniform three types. Each of them included a uniform, trousers, an overcoat and a cape. For warm weather, a cotton version is provided, for cold weather - woolen. The outfit also included a helmet, boots or boots. For Japanese soldiers, operations in winter conditions were considered clashes in northern China, Manchuria and Korea. The most insulated form was used for combat operations in these places. Naturally, it was not suitable for a harsh climate, because it was an overcoat with fur cuffs, woolen quilted trousers, underpants. In general, it is difficult to call Japanese uniforms functional. It was suitable only for certain latitudes with a tropical climate.
Italy
Italian soldiers during the Second World War wore a shirt and tie, a single-breasted tunic with a waist belt, breeches with windings or woolen golf socks, ankle boots. Some soldiers were more comfortable using breeches. The uniform was not suitable for winter campaigns. The overcoat was sewn from cheap coarse cloth, which did not warm at all in the cold. The army was not equipped with winter clothing. Insulated options were available only to representatives of the mountain troops. The Italian newspaper Provincia Como noted in 1943 that only a tenth of the soldiers during their stay in Russia were provided with a uniform suitable for this. In their memoirs, the fighters wrote that at times the temperature reached minus 42 degrees, so many died due to frostbite, and not during military operations. Italian command statistics report that 3,600 soldiers suffered from hypothermia during the first winter alone.
France
French soldiers fought in colored uniforms. They were outfitted in single-breasted button-down tunics, double-breasted overcoats with side pocket flaps. The floors of the overcoat could be buttoned back to make it easier to walk. The clothes had belt loops. Foot troops wore breeches with windings. There were three types of hats. The most popular was the kepi. Adrian's helmets were also actively worn. Their distinguishing feature is the presence of an emblem on the front. In addition to the appearance, this helmet could hardly boast of anything else. It did not provide protection from bullets. In very cold weather, the French uniform expanded its range to a sheepskin coat. Such clothes can hardly be called optimal for different weather conditions.
The best uniform of American soldiers became the prototype of all modern field clothing. It was functional and well thought out. appearance. It did not freeze, and it was one of decisive factors at war.
MILITARY UNIFORM OF THE SECOND WORLD
The military uniform of the USSR has gone through several significant periods in the history of the country. For the Red Army, it was introduced immediately after the revolution, in 1918. But a few years later, with a change in military leadership, a revision of uniforms followed. This was done in order to erase the bloody imprint of the revolution.
In the prewar period, insignia for military ranks were introduced, which required changes in uniforms. The military uniform of the USSR was also improved during the war with Germany, and after the victory over fascism, it changed about once every 10 years, and this continued until 1991.
front-line soldier
Corporal (1) in the uniform of the 1943 model. The insignia from the buttonholes were transferred to shoulder straps. The SSH-40 helmet became widespread since 1942. Around the same time, submachine guns began to enter the troops in massive quantities. This corporal is armed with a 7.62 mm Shpagin submachine gun - PPSh-41 - with a 71-round drum magazine. Spare magazines in pouches on the waist belt next to the pouch for three hand grenades. In 1944, along with the drum magazine for the PPSh-41, a 35-round open-end magazine began to be produced, also suitable for the PPS-43. Carob magazines were carried in pouches in three compartments. Grenades were usually carried in pouches on the waist belt. By the beginning of the war, there were pouches for one grenade, in this case the F-1 (Za) grenade is shown. More practical pouches for three grenades appeared later, a pouches with a fragmentation grenade RG-42 (Зb) are shown. Pouches with two compartments were intended for high-explosive grenades RGD-33, here a grenade with a fragmentation ring (Zc) is shown. The duffel bag of the 1942 model had a simple to primitive design. Each section had an ax, which was carried by one of the soldiers on a waist belt in a special case (5). A new type of bowler hat (6), similar to the German model. Enamel mug (7). Due to the lack of aluminum, glass flasks with a cork stopper were found in the troops (8). The glass of the flask could be green or brown, as well as transparent. The flasks were suspended from the waist belt by means of a cloth cover. The BN gas mask was equipped with a speech box and an improved TSh filter (9). Gas mask bag with two side pockets for spare eyepiece lenses and a pencil with anti-fogging compound. The spare ammunition pouch was hung on the back from the waist belt and contained six standard five-shots for both (10).
Rookie
Private (1 and 2) in the summer field uniform of the 1936 model with insignia of the 1941 model. Helmet of the 1936 model and boots with windings. Field equipment of the 1936 model, almost all equipment of this type was lost in the first year of fighting. The equipment includes a duffel bag, a roll with an overcoat and a raincoat, a food bag, cartridge pouches with two compartments, a sapper shovel, a flask and a gas mask bag. The Red Army soldier is armed with a 7.62-mm Mosin rifle of the 1891/30 model. The bayonet is attached in the opposite direction for ease of carrying. A bakelite medallion (3), a sapper shovel with a case (4), an aluminum flask with a case (5), a bandolier for 14 rifle clips (6) are shown. In the future, instead of leather equipment, tarpaulin was produced. Two five-shot clips (7) were placed in each compartment of the cartridge pouch. The idle pot (8) served both as a saucepan and as a bowl. Boots (9) with windings (10). Gas mask BS with a bag (11). The protrusion between the eye sockets made it possible to wipe the glass that was fogged from the inside and clear the nose. The gas mask was equipped with a T-5 filter.
Uniform of a German corporal (non-commissioned officer)
Uniform of a German corporal (non-commissioned officer), 1939-1940 01- M-35 field jacket with the emblem of a non-commissioned officer in 02- M-35 steel helmet with Heeres markings 03- Zeltbahn M-31 tent fabric camouflage "Splittermuster" 04- gray ("Steingrau") trousers 05- leather belt 06- bags filters for a gas mask 07- M-38 gas mask 08- M-24 grenade 09- black leather pouch 10- M-31 aluminum bowler hat 11- boots 12-7, 92 mm Mauser 98k 13- Seitengewehr 84/98 bayonet 14- shovel.
Lieutenant's uniform of the 82nd Airborne Sicilly
Uniform of Lieutenant of the 82nd Airborne Sicilly, 1943 01- M2 helmet with camouflage net 02- M1942 jacket 03- M1942 trousers 04- M1934 wool shirt 05- boots 06- M1936 Carrying belt with M1916 holster for Colt M1911 and pistol 07- M1936 straps 08- M1A1 carbine 09- M2A1 gas mask 10 - M1910 folding shovel 11- M1942 bowler hat 12- M1910 bag 13- dog tags 14- M1918 Mk I knife 15- M1936 backpack
Uniform Luftwaffe Hauptmann (Captain)
Uniform Luftwaffe Hauptmann (captain), FW-190-A8 pilot, Jagdgeschwader 300 "Wild Sau", Germany 1944 01- LKP N101 headphones 02- Nietsche & Günther Fl. 30550 goggles 03- Drager model 10-69 oxygen mask 04- Hankart 05- AK 39Fl. compass 06-25 mm Walther Flarepistol M-43 with ammunition on the belt 07- holster 08- FW-190 parachute 09- aviation boots 10- M-37 Luftwaffe breeches 11- Luftwaffe leather jacket with Hauptmann emblem and Luftwaffe armband
Private ROA (Vlasov's army)
Private ROA (Vlasov's army), 1942-45: 01- Dutch field jacket with ROA on buttonholes and shoulder straps, Heeres eagle on the right chest 02- M-40 trousers 03- medallion 04- M-34 cap with ROA 05- boots 06- M-42 gaiters 07- Grman unloading belt with pouches 08- M-24 grenade 09- M-31 bowler hat 10- Bayonet 11- M-39 straps 12- M-35 helmet with camouflage net 13- " New life» magazine for "Eastern" volunteers 14-7.62 mm Mosin 1891/30 g
US Army Infantry Uniform 1942-1945
US Army infantry uniform 1942-1945: 01- M1 helmet 02- M1934 shirt 03- M1934 sweatshirt 04- M1941 trousers 05- boots 06- M1938 leggings 07- M1926 Lifebuoy 08- M1937 ammo belt 09- M1924 personal care products 10 - M1910 bowler hat 11- gas mask 12- M1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle with M1907 belt 13- patches 14, 15- manuals 16- sleeve badges: A-1st Armored B-2 th C-3rd Infantry E-34th F-1st Inf
Kriegsmarine (Navy) Matrosengefreiter
Kriegsmarine (navy) Matrosengefreiter, 1943 01- naval jacket, Iron Cross 2nd class, veteran crew badge on the left side of the chest, Matrosengefreiter badges 02- Kriegsmarine cap 03- naval pea coat 04- "deck" trousers 05- Signal magazine, July 1943 06- tobacco 07- cigarette paper 08- "Hygenischer Gummischutz-Dublosan" 09- boots
Major Maintenance Parts
Major of the maintenance unit of the 1st Polish armored division, Germany, 1945 01- M 37/40 everyday uniform 02- black epaulette of the 1st armored division 03-1st Div badge 04- Silver cross from Virtuti Militari 05- M 37 straps 06-11.43 mm Colt M1911 pistol 07- officer boots 08- leather vest 09- drivers gloves 10- helmet for driving armored units » 11- AT Mk II motorcycle helmet 12- Mk II helmet 12- leggings
Private, Luftwaffe, France 1944
Private, Luftwaffe, France 1944 01- M-40 helmet 02- Einheitsfeldmütze M-43 cap 03- M-43 camouflaged T-shirt "Sumpftarnmuster" 04- pants 05- shoulder straps 06-7,92 mm Mauser 98k rifle 07- M-31 breadbag 08- M-31 bowler hat 09- M-39 shoes 10 - medallion 11- "Esbit" pocket heater
Lieutenant uniform, RSI "Decima MAS", Italy
Lieutenant uniform, RSI "Decima MAS", Italy, 1943-44 01- "Basco" beret 02- Model 1933 helmet 03- Model 1941 flight jacket, leutenant badges on cuffs, lapel badges 04- German belt 05- holster for Beretta 1933 and pistol 06- German M-24 grenade 07-9 mm TZ-45 SMG 08- pouches 09- trousers 10 - German mountain boots 11- badge of participation in the Folgore company
8 SS-Kavallerie division "Florian Geyer"
8 SS-Kavallerie division "Florian Geyer", summer 1944. 01- M-40 Feldmutze cap 02- M-40 helmet with SS badges 03- field jacket 44- new cut, cavalry badges on shoulder straps 04- trousers 05- M-35 belt 06- wool shirt 07- M-39 straps 08- "Florian Geyer" armband 09 - woolen gloves 10 - Panzerfaust 60 11-7.92 mm Sturmgewehr 44 12 - M-84/98 bayonet 13 - canvas pouches 14 - M-24 grenade 15 - Waffen SS salary card 16 - M-31 bowler hat 17- M-43 leather boots 18- leggings
Captain
Captain- submarine commander, 1941 01 - officer's jacket, Kapitanleutnant insignia 02 - Kninght Cross of the Iron Cross 03 - submarine badge 04 - Unofficial badges of the 1st and 9th flotilla of submarines 05 - cigarette cap Kriegsmarine officers - 06 07- leather gloves 08- leather coat "U-Boot-Päckchen" 09- boots 10 - "Junghans" 11- navy binoculars
Partisan of the Peasant Battalion
Partisan of the Peasant Battalion (Battaliony Chlopskie), Poland, 1942 01- wz.1937 "rogatywka" cap 02- jacket 03- pants 04- boots 05- improvised headband 06-9 mm MP-40 SMG
The uniform of the Soviet tank commander, 1939 01- tarpaulin hat with earmuffs 02- model 1935 cap with a red star 03- linen overalls 04- canvas bag for a gas mask 05- officer boots 06- holster for 7.62 mm Nagant 07- leather zama tablet 08- officer's belt
Polish infantry uniform 1939
Polish infantry uniform 1939 01- wz.1939 “rogatywka” cap 02- wz.1937 “rogatywka” cap 03- wz.1937 steel helmet 04- wz.1936 jacket 05- token 06- WSR wz.1932 gas mask in canvas bag 07- hygiene products 08 - leather pouches 09 - wz.1933 breadbag 10 - leather unloading belt 11 - wz.1938 bowler hat 12 - wz.1928 bayonet 13 - folding shovel in a leather case 14 - wz.1933 backpack with a blanket 15 - biscuits 16 - wz .1931 combined bowler hat 17- spoon + fork set 18- owijacze fabric straps used instead of socks 19- boots 20 - GR-31 fragmentation grenade 21- GR-31 offensive grenade 22-7.92 mm Mauser 1898a rifle 23-7 .92 mm 24-WZ clip cartridges. 1924 bayonet 25
Private, Red Army
Private, Red Army 01- Hat with earflaps 02- coat 03- felt boots 04- belt 05-7.62 mm Tokarev SVT-40 rifle 06- bayonet 07- ammunition 08- gas mask bag 09- folding shovel
NKVD lieutenant, 1940-41
NKVD lieutenant, 1940-41 01- Model 1935 NKVD cap 02- Model 1925 NKVD tunic 03- cloth dark blue trousers with raspberry piping 04- boots 05- waist belt 06- holster for Nagant 1895 revolver 07- model 1932 officer's tablet 08- NKVD badge established in 1940 09 - Red Star badge 10 - military ID 11 - revolver cartridges
Soviet infantry, 1941 01- Model 1940 steel helmet 02- padded jacket 03- field trousers 04- boots 05-7.62 mm Mosin 91/30 rifle 06- rifle oil can 07- Model 1930 bandolier 09- military ID 10- tablet
Soviet infantry officer, 1943 01 - model 1943 "tunic" sweatshirt, officer's version 02 - model 1935 breeches 03 - model 1935 cap 04 - model 1940 helmet 05 - model 1935 officer's belt and straps 06 - Nagant holster 1895 07 - tablet 08- officer boots
Red intelligence officer 1943
Red intelligence officer 1943 01- Model 1935 cap 02- camouflage clothing, autumn 03-7.62 mm PPS-43 04- canvas bag for ammunition 05- officer's belt 1935 06- leather case with 7.62mm Pistol TT 07- Model 1940 knife 08 - Adrianov's compass 10 - officer's boots