, was distinguished by its simplicity and functionality. At the beginning of the war, high-quality pre-war equipment was used.
Later, the design of the equipment was simplified, and its quality decreased. The same happened with the military uniform of the Wehrmacht. Simplification of sewing, replacement of natural materials with artificial ones, the transition to cheaper raw materials is typical for both armies, both our Soviet and German.
Equipment Soviet soldier sample 1936 was modern and well thought-out. The duffel bag had two small side pockets. The main compartment flap and side pocket flaps were fastened with a leather strap with a metal buckle. On the bottom of the duffel bag there were mounts for carrying tent pegs. The shoulder straps had quilted overlays. Inside the main section, the Red Army soldier kept a change of linen, footcloths, rations, a small bowler hat and a mug. Toiletries and rifle cleaning supplies were carried in outer pockets. An overcoat and a raincoat were worn rolled up, worn over the shoulder. You could store various little things inside the roll.

Outfit of a Soviet soldier of the 1941 model

4 cm wide belt in dark brown leather. On both sides of the buckle, ammunition pouches in two compartments were attached to the waist belt, each compartment accommodated two standard 5-round clips. Thus, the wearable ammunition load was 40 rounds. At the back, a canvas bag was suspended from the belt for additional ammunition, which consisted of six five-round clips. In addition, it was possible to carry a canvas cartridge belt that could hold 14 more clips. Often, instead of an additional pouch, a canvas grocery bag was worn. The sapper's shoulder blade and flask were also suspended from a waist belt on the right thigh. A gas mask was worn in a bag over the right shoulder. By 1942, the use of gas masks was almost universally abandoned, but they continued to be kept in warehouses.

Items of equipment of the Russian soldier of the second world war

Most of the pre-war equipment was lost during the retreat of the summer-autumn of 1941. To compensate for the losses, the production of simplified equipment was established. Tarpaulin and leatherette were used instead of high-quality leather. The color of the equipment also ranged widely from brownish yellow to dark olive. A 4 cm wide canvas belt was reinforced with a 1 cm wide leather overlay. Leather cartridge pouches continued to be produced, but they were increasingly replaced by tarpaulin and leatherette pouches. The production of grenade pouches for two or three grenades has begun. These pouches were also worn on a waist belt, next to cartridge pouches. Often the Red Army men did not have a complete set of equipment, wearing what they managed to get.
The 1941 duffel bag was a simple canvas bag tied with a string. A U-shaped belt was attached to the bottom of the duffel bag, which was tied in a knot in the middle at the neck, forming shoulder straps. Cloak-tent, food bag, pouch for additional ammunition after the start of the war began to be encountered much less frequently. Instead of a metal flask, there were glass ones with a cork stopper.
In extreme cases, a duffel bag was also missing, and the Red Army soldier carried all his personal property inside a rolled overcoat. Sometimes the Red Army men did not even have cartridge pouches, and the ammunition had to be carried in their pockets.

Equipment of soldiers and officers in the great patriotic

In the pocket of his tunic, the soldier wore a dressing bag made of light gray fabric with a red cross. Personal items could include a small towel and a toothbrush. Tooth powder was used to clean the teeth. The soldier could also have a hairbrush, a mirror and a straight razor. A small cloth bag with five compartments was used to store sewing supplies. Lighters were made from 12.7 mm cartridge cases. Industrial lighters were rare, but ordinary matches were widely used. A special set of accessories was used to clean the weapon. Oil and solvent were stored in a tin box with two compartments.

Items of equipment and equipment of Russian soldiers

Outfit of a Soviet soldier of the second world , the pre-war bowler hat was similar in design to the German one, but during the war years, the usual open bowler hat with a wire handle was more common. Most of the soldiers had metal enamel bowls and mugs and spoons. The spoon was usually kept tucked into the boot shaft. Many soldiers had knives that were used as tools or cutlery rather than weapons. Popular were Finnish knives (puukko) with a short wide blade and deep leather scabbard, containing the entire knife, along with the handle.
The officers wore high-quality leather waist belts with a brass buckle and harness, a bag, a tablet, B-1 (6x30) binoculars, a wrist compass, a wristwatch, and a brown leather pistol holster.

The second World War, characterized by descendants as a war of motors. Despite the large number of mechanized units, cavalry units were also widely used in the German army. A huge share of the supplies for the needs of the army was transported by the horse units. Equestrian units were used in almost all divisions. During the war, the importance of the cavalry increased greatly. The cavalry was widely used in 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 impassability" without a horse, there are partisans, and horse units were also often used to fight them. The uniform for the cavalry troops was the same as for the rest of the army, with the addition of several elements of clothing: the soldiers of the cavalry troops received breeches and riding boots, not M 40 boots. and a jacket. On the chest there is a white eagle, 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; leather inserts in the seat area were painted in dark gray, or their native natural brown. The breeches were the same regardless of rank. Sometimes, instead of a leather insert in the seat area, a double material was used. The riding boots used a longer bootleg and such a desirable attribute as the M31 spurs (Anschnallsporen).

The standard saddle during the war was the M25 (Armcesattel 25), a wooden frame covered in leather. On the saddle, various harnesses were used to transport something, bags were attached in the front, the left one for the horse (provisions, service), the right one for the personal kit.

Cavalry officer of the Wehrmacht, uniform, Russia 1941-44

After the unfolding 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. The officers ordering the uniforms individually changed the uniform only by adding the officer's insignia. The officer's uniform had a difference on the sleeve of the jacket's cuff, and dark -green color collar such as on the pre-war samples. Silver trim on shoulder straps and collar buttonholes. has a more muted color.

The photo shows that the tunic is converted from a soldier's, there are holes on the belt for the hooks of the ammunition kit.

German uniform, tunic converted from soldier's

There were two types of standard signal pistol of the army model (Leuchtpistole - Heeres Modell - also known as Signalpistole) adopted in 1928, was one of two types used throughout the war, long-barreled was adopted from 1935 cartridge, 2.7cm serrated for identification in the dark.

Germany invaded Russia on June 22, 1941, the plan of the campaign, podruzomevat 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 bogged down near Moscow. At the end of November, the Red Army launched a counteroffensive, smashing and driving back the Germans. Slowly, the counter-offensive is weakening and the armies are moving on to trench battles. The winter of 1941 was very harsh and frosty. For such a winter, the German troops were completely unprepared.

The peaceful supply of winter kits was limited. And even those were adequate only for winter in a temperate climate, and not the icy horror of the 1941 winter in Russia. Frostbite losses soon exceeded those of battle wounds. And some tasks for the army are very specific, for example a sentry or an outpost of reconnaissance - they were especially dangerous, the soldiers were exposed to frost for a long time, limbs suffered especially. The troops improvised to survive, using the captured Russian uniform. They put paper and straw in boots and boots, tried to wear as many layers of clothing as they could find.

to save from frost they did it

In Germany, events were organized to collect warm and fur winter clothing for sending to the front of the freezing soldiers.

The watchcoat (Ubermantel) -shield-wool coat was introduced in November 1934 for vehicle drivers and sentries. It was available as one of the few frost-fighting remedies available, and was widely used in the first winter in Russia. The overcoat had increased dimensions and increased length. The collar of the pre-war model was dark green, which was later changed to gray for the overcoat.

Fur jackets were worn under the overcoat, either of local production 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 a wooden sole up to 5 cm.

The knitted gloves had a standard pattern and were made of gray wool. The gloves came in four sizes, small, medium, large and extra large. Size is indicated by white rings around the wrists, ranging from one (small) to four (very large). The hood scarf was universal, tucked into the collar, served to protect the neck and ears, adjusted at will, worn as a comforter.

Field uniform of an ordinary Wehrmacht army police, motorcyclist, in the south of Russia 1942-44

The Army Field Police (Feldgendarmerie de Heeres) were formed during the German mobilization in 1939. Experienced officers from the police of the civil gendarmerie were recruited to work, and this formed the cadre backbone, together with non-commissioned officers from the army. The Feldgendarmerie battalion was subordinate to the army, consisted 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 responsibilities were as broad as their powers. They controlled all movements, checked the documents of troops on the way, collected documents and information about prisoners, conducted anti-partisan operations, detained deserters, and generally maintained order and discipline. The Feldgendarmerie was in full power to pass unchallenged through security posts and safe areas, and also to demand the documents of any soldier, regardless of rank.
They wore the same uniform as the rest of the army, differing only in orange edging and a special badge on the left sleeve. Their decoration gorget of the field gendarmerie "Feldgendarmerie This indicates that the owner is on duty and empowered to investigate. Because of this chain, they were given the nickname "Ketienhund" or "chained dog".

The motorcycle raincoat (Kradmantel) was more often produced in a waterproof version, made of rubberized fabric, gray or field green fabric. The photo is olive-colored, used in Africa, Southern Europe and in the south of 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 when riding a motorcycle. Feldgendarmerie gendarmerie gorget the sign has been designed to be clearly visible even at night in the light of car headlights. The crescent plate was made of stamped steel.

The pendant chain was about 24 cm long and made of lightweight metal. On a standard army belt, soldiers wore two triples of 32-round magazines for a 9mm MP40 submachine gun, sometimes unknowingly referred to as a Schmeiser.

The first months of 1943 were a turning point for the German Wehrmacht. The catastrophe at Stalingrad cost Germany about 200,000 killed and prisoners, for reference, about 90% of the prisoners died within a few weeks after the capture. 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 deployed between distant fronts to solve emergencies... Various items of military uniforms were simplified and cheaper, quality suffered from this, but the constant desire to research and develop 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 shape. This lightweight and durable outfit was especially popular as a replacement for the field gray, wool uniform on the hot southern fronts in Russia and the Mediterranean countries. The form was introduced at the beginning of 1943. The shape will come in a variety of shades from aqua to light gray.

The M42 Steel Helmet (Steel Helmet-Modell 1942) was introduced in April 1942 as a forced economy measure; the dimensions and shapes of the M35 were retained. The helmet is made by stamping, the edge is not folded and rolled, but simply bent outward and cut off. The quality of steel is also not up to par, some alloying additives have been removed, the economy is beginning to feel a shortage of some elements. To protect the gun, artillerymen are given a personal P08 pistol.

Gunner's mark on the left forearm, in the photo of the jacket.

Despite the fact that ankle boots (Schnurschuhe) began to be introduced in August 1940 to preserve leather reserves, the troops were zealous in preserving boots, trying to avoid the use of ankle boots and gaiters for as long as possible. In no war film you will not see a German soldier, in boots and gaiters, which is an inconsistency with reality.

Wehrmacht uniforms, boots and gaiters

So the German troops in the second half of the war had a very motley appearance,

not unlike our encirclements of the first half of the war.

The leggings 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 deploy three full mountain rifle divisions (Gebirgstruppen). The troops are trained and equipped to carry out operations in mountainous areas. To complete combat missions, you need to 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 part mountain riflemen are artillery, reconnaissance, engineering, anti-tank and other support units nominally mountain-qualified. Model 1943 (Dienstanzug Modell 1943) was introduced for all types ground forces this year to replace all previous models. The new form carries a number of economic measures. Patch pockets without pleats, while early models had a placket on the pocket.

The 1943 trousers have a more practical design. But due to the difficult economic situation in the country, materials of ever lower quality are used for military clothing. Although many soldiers retained the scapular M34 cap for varying periods, the 1943 uniform cap (Einheitsfeldmiitze M43), which was introduced in 1943, proved to be very popular and remained in use until the end of the war. The cotton lining will soon be replaced by faux satin. The flaps of the cap can be folded back and fastened under the chin in bad weather. Something like our Budyonnovka.

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 and closed collar. The Edelweiss on the right sleeve, the distinctive insignia of mountain shooters of all ranks and categories, was introduced in May 1939.

Wehrmacht uniform, tunic, Russia 1943-44 complete degradation of materials

Standard mountain boots are worn with short windings for ankle support and protection from snow and mud.

Wehrmacht infantry soldier, double-sided combat uniform for winter, Russia 1942-44.

After the disastrous first winter in Russia. It was ordered to develop a uniform combat clothing for the next season of the winter campaign. The uniform combat uniform has been tested in Finland. In April 1942, Hitler was given his approval, which was immediately granted. The textile industry has received an order to produce one million sets on time for next winter.

In the winter of 1942, some elements were added to winter combat uniforms. Mittens, a woolen scarf, gloves (woolen and with fur lining), additional socks, a pullover, a hood, etc. were added to the new jacket and trousers padded with flannel. While most of the troops received the basic uniform in time. The two-sided winter uniform was sorely lacking, the infantry had the priority for obtaining the double-sided uniform. 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 at Stalingradom in the winter of 1942-43.

captured soldiers of the Wehrmacht Bode

The new padded, reversible winter specimen was originally produced in mouse gray and was white when turned inside out.

This was soon replaced (during late 1942, and of course by early 1943) the gray was replaced by camouflage. During 1943, winter camouflage uniforms (Wintertarnanzug) began to appear in the military. Camouflage varied from marsh color to green-beige. The angular pattern of the spots became more blurred. The mittens and hood were dyed 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.

winter camouflage uniform of the Wehrmacht jacket (Wintertarnanzug) Russia 1942-44.

Wintertarnanzug was originally from cotton with rayon. Lined with layers of wool and cellulose inside for insulation. All elements and buttons are made on both sides. The hood was also double-breasted and secured with six buttons on the jacket. The trousers were made from the same material as the jacket and had drawstrings for adjustment.

All buttons on the trousers 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 from the photographs it can be seen that every year the quality of the materials used is getting lower and lower, reflecting the economic situation in the Third Reich.

In accordance with the Hague Conventions, wearing military uniform during hostilities or armed conflicts is necessary condition definitions of military personnel as legal combatants with all the special rights arising from this status. At the same time, insignia, which clearly indicate belonging to the armed forces of one or another side of an armed conflict, are an obligatory element of military uniform. People's militias participating in such conflicts may also wear a non-uniform uniform, but they must have distinguishable signs, at least at a shot distance (armbands, crosses, etc.).

Front-line

Lance corporal (1) in uniform of the 1943 model. The insignia from the buttonholes were transferred to the shoulder straps. The SSh-40 helmet became widespread since 1942. Around the same time, submachine guns began to arrive in 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 a waist belt next to a pouch for three hand grenades. In 1944, along with the drum magazine for the PPSh-41, a 35-round horn magazine began to be produced, which was also suitable for the PPS-43. Carob magazines were carried in pouches in three compartments. Grenades were usually carried in pouches on a waist belt.

By the beginning of the war, there were pouches for one grenade, in this case the F-1 (For) grenade is shown. More practical pouches for three grenades appeared later; a pouch with a fragmentation grenade RG-42 (Зb) is shown. Pouches with two compartments were intended for high-explosive grenades RGD-33, here is shown a grenade with a fragmentation ring (Zs) on. The bag of the 1942 model had a design that was simple to the point of primitiveness.

Each squad had an ax, which was carried by one of the soldiers on a waist belt in a special case (5). A new type of pot (6), similar to the German model. Enamel mug (7). Due to the lack of aluminum, the troops encountered glass flasks with a cork stopper (8). The glass of the flask could be green or brown, as well as transparent. Flasks were suspended from a waist belt by means of a cloth cover. The BN gas mask was equipped with a communication box and an improved TSh filter (9). Gas mask bag with two side pockets for spare eyepiece lenses and an anti-fog pencil. The pouch for spare ammunition was suspended on the back from the waist belt and held six standard five-shot both (10).

Rookie

Private (1 and 2) in summer field uniform, model 1936 with insignia, model 1941. Helmet, model 1936, 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 outfit includes a duffel bag, a roll-up with an overcoat and a raincoat, a food bag, ammunition 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, model 1891/30, the bayonet will join reverse direction for easy portability. Shown is a bakelite medallion (3), a sapper shovel with a case (4), an aluminum flask with a case (5), a cartridge belt for 14 rifle clips (6). In the future, instead of leather equipment, tarpaulin was produced. Each compartment of the cartridge pouch housed two five-shot clips (7). The idle pot (8) served both as a saucepan and as a bowl. Boots (9) with windings (10). BS gas mask with bag (11). The protrusion between the eye sockets made it possible to wipe the fogged glass from the inside and to clear the nose. The gas mask was equipped with a T-5 filter.

Uniform of a German corporal (non-commissioned officer), 1939-1940

01 - M-35 field jacket with a non-commissioned officer's emblem 02 - M-35 steel helmet with Heeres marking, 03 - Zeltbahn M-31 fabric camouflage tent "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, 11 - boots, 12 - 7, 92 mm Mauser 98k, 13 - Seitengewehr 84/98 bayonet, 14 - sapper shovel.

82nd Airborne Sicilly Lieutenant Uniform, 1943

01 - M2 helmet with camouflage net, 02 - M1942 jacket, 03 - M1942 trousers, 04 - M1934 wool shirt, 05 - boots, 06 - M1936 Harness belt with M1916 holster for Colt M1911 and pistol, 07 - M1936 shoulder straps, 08 - Carabiner М1А1, 09 - M2A1 gas mask, 10 - M1910 folding shovel, 11 - M1942 bowler, 12 - M1910 bag, 13 - tokens, 14 - M1918 Mk I knife, 15 - M1936 backpack.

Luftwaffe Hauptmann uniform (captain), FW-190-A8 pilot, Jagdgeschwader 300 Wilde Sau, Germany 1944

01 - LKP N101 headphones, 02 - Nitsche & Gunther Fl. 30550 goggles, 03 - Drager model 10-69 oxygen mask, 04 - Hankart, 05 - AK 39Fl. compass, 06 - 25 mm Walter Flarepistol M-43 with ammunition on the belt, 07 - holster, 08 - FW-190 parachute, 09 - aircraft boots, 10 - M-37 Luftwaffe breeches, 11 - Luftwaffe leather jacket with the emblem of Hauptmann and the Luftwaffe bandage.

Private ROA (Vlasov army), 1942-45

01 - Dutch field jacket with ROA on buttonholes and shoulder straps, Heeres an eagle on the right chest, 02 - M-40 trousers, 03 - medallion, 04 - M-34 cap with ROA, 05 - boots, 06 - M-42 leggings, 07 - Grman unloading belt with pouches, 08 - M-24 grenade, 09 - M-31 bowler hat, 10 - Bayonet, 11 - M-39 webbing, 12 - M-35 helmet with camouflage net, 13 - "New Life" magazine for "Eastern" volunteers, 14 - 7.62 mm Mosin 1891/30

US Army Infantry Uniform 1942-1945

01 - M1 helmet, 02 - M1934 shirt, 03 - M1934 sweatshirt, 04 - M1941 pants, 05 - boots, 06 - M1938 leggings, 07 - M1926 lifebuoy, 08 - M1937 ammunition belt, 09 - M1924 personal care products, 10 - M1910 bowler hat, 11 - gas mask, 12 - M1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle with M1907 belt, 13 - stripes, 14 and 15 - benefits, 16 - sleeve badges: A - 1st Armored, B - 2nd, C - 3- I am infantry, E - 34th, F - 1st infantry.

Kriegsmarine (Navy) Matrosengefreiter, 1943

01 - naval jacket, Iron Cross Grade 2, veteran crew badge on the left side of the chest, Matrosengefreiter insignia 02 - Kriegsmarine cap, 03 - naval pea jacket, 04 - "deck" trousers, 05 - Signal magazine, July 1943 , 06 - tobacco, 07 - cigarette paper, 08 - "Hygenischer Gummischutz-Dublosan", 09 - boots.

Major of the maintenance unit of the 1st Polish armored division, Germany, 1945

01 - M 37/40 casual uniform, 02 - black shoulder strap of the 1st Armored Division, 03 - 1st Div badge, 04 - Silver cross from Virtuti Militari, 05 - M 37 shoulder straps, 06 -, 11.43 mm Colt M1911 pistol, 07 - officer's 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

01 - M-40 helmet, 02 - Einheitsfeldmütze M-43 cap, 03 - M-43 camouflaged T-shirt "Sumpftarnmuster", 04 - trousers, 05 - shoulder straps, 06 - 7.92 mm Mauser 98k rifle, 07 - M-31 breadbag , 08 - M-31 bowler hat, 09 - M-39 boots, 10 - medallion, 11 - "Esbit" pocket heater.

Lieutenant uniform, RSI "Decima MAS", Italy, 1943-44

01 - "Basco" beret, 02 - model, 1933 helmet, 03 - model, 1941 flight jacket, leutenant insignia on the cuffs, badges on the cuffs, 04 - German belt, 05 - Beretta 1933 pistol and holster, 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, Summer 1944

01 - M-40 Feldmutze cap, 02 - M-40 helmet with CC 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" bandage, 09 - woolen gloves, 10 - Panzerfaust 60, 11 - 7.92 mm Sturmgewehr 44, 12 - M-84/98 bayonet, 13 - canvas pouches, 14 - M- 24 grenades, 15 - Waffen SS salary card, 16 - M-31 bowler hat, 17 - M-43 leather boots, 18 - Leggings.

Captain (Kapitanleutnant) - submarine commander, 1941

01 - officer's jacket, Kapitanleutnant insignia, 02 - Kninght Cross of the Iron Cross, 03 - submarine sign, 04 - Unofficial insignia of the 1st and 9th flotilla of submarines, 05 - cigarette cap of Kriegsmarine officers -, 06, 07 - leather gloves, 08 - leather coat "U-Boot-Päckchen", 09 - boots, 10 - "Junghans", 11 - naval binoculars.

Partisan of the Peasant Battalion (Bataliony Chlopskie), Poland, 1942

01 - wz.1937 "rogatywka" cap, 02 - jacket, 03 - trousers, 04 - boots, 05 - improvised bandage, 06 - 9 mm MP-40 SMG.

01 - canvas hat with headphones, 02 - model 1935 garrison 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 - leatherette tablet , 08 - officer's belt.

Polish infantry uniform, 1939

01 - wz.1939 "rogatywka" cap, 02 - wz.1937 "rogatywka" cap, 03 - wz.1937 steel helmet, 04 - wz.1936 jacket, 05 - badge, 06 - WSR wz.1932 gas mask in a 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 blanket, 15 - biscuits, 16 - wz. 1931 combined pot, 17 - spoon + fork set, 18 - owijacze fabric belts used instead of socks, 19 - boots, 20 - GR-31 frag grenade, 21 - GR -31 offensive grenades, 22 - 7.92 mm Mauser 1898a rifle, 23 - 7.92 mm clip cartridges, 24 - WZ. 1924 bayonet.

Private, Red Army, 1939-41

01 - Hat with earflaps, 02 - coat, 03 - felt boots, 04 - belt, 05 - 7.62 mm Tokarev SVT-40 rifle, 06 - bayonet, 07 - ammunition, 08 - bag for gas mask, 09 - folding shovel.

NKVD lieutenant, 1940-41

01 - model 1935 NKVD cap, 02 - model 1925 NKVD tunic, 03 - woolen dark blue harem pants with crimson edging, 04 - boots, 05 - waist belt, 06 - holster for Nagant 1895 revolver, 07 - model 1932 officer's tablet, 08 - NKVD Badge, installed in 1940, 09 - the sign of the Red Star, 10 - military ID, 11 - revolver cartridges.

01 - model 1940 steel helmet, 02 - "padded jacket", 03 - field trousers, 04 - boots, 05 - 7.62 mm Mosin 91/30 rifle, 06 - rifle oiler, 07 - model 1930 cartridge belt, 09 - military ID, 10 - tablet.

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 shoulder straps, 06 - holster for Nagant, 1895 , 07 - tablet, 08 - officers' boots.

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 - officers' boots.

Original taken from hhhhhhhhl in About masculine style. Army uniform of the Second World War.

If there is no style, then there is no person. The lack of style is a terrible Russian scourge. I don't know who invented the American military uniform during World War II, but it was a cool uniform. In it, every soldier looked like a winner.
When they landed in Normandy, they were pleasant to look at. You watch the chronicle: you yourself want to be an American soldier. A simple round helmet with a dangling fastener, comfortable pants with dashing pockets, a tunic that looks like a loose blouse, a beautiful machine gun, and boots - what boots! It's not scary to die in such boots.
The Americans then beat everyone in style: the overly decorative Englishmen, and the prim French, and the Nazis in overly aggressive uniforms, and our soldiers with medals all over their chests. The Americans and the cowboys were stylish, in their cowboy shawls and hats, and the soldiers were almost haute couture.
More than half a century has passed since World War II, but in our country nothing has changed in terms of state style. You look at the Chechen chronicle of the 1990s and you understand: the Russians could not win there, if only because they did not look convincing. The Chechens knew how to tie their Muslim bandage correctly on their foreheads, and they carried weapons beautifully in their hands. And the Russian army is one stylistic misunderstanding. Especially the command. Pot-bellied, clumsy. Some kind of kosoryly. If anyone is wearing glasses, then the glasses are inconceivable, ugly.
I'm not talking about the police. Guards with eroded faces. God marks rogue. From them only to write cartoons.
And the government elite! They put on their suits, but didn't change their eyes - they flaunt them with thieving eyes. All corruption in our country is a derivative of these eyes. Theft is a sign of lack of style. Or the intelligentsia: they talk about Joyce-Borges, but they themselves are dressed, combed ... The gap between form and content? But I don't believe in formless content. Not enough money? Is it about money? The American cowboy was also a poor man. And everyone is still wondering why Russians in the West “do not pass,” why, after a brief fashion for Russia, everyone turned away from us. Because we look unattractive. Both Russian politicians and Russian tourists are laughed at by the chickens. Some will be underdressed, some will change clothes, but the essence is the same - lack of style.
Lack of style breeds self-doubt and aggressiveness. There is no Russian style now, and this is a disaster. Neither Zaitsev with all his "cranberries", nor patriots in kosovorotkas, nor domestic cinematography saved us from her. We are not Romanians or even Ukrainians: we have lost all our folklore rituals. To return to them - there is no strength, and it is not necessary. The pre-revolutionary great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers left us nothing in inheritance, except for one or two silver spoons.
Coming up with a style out of thin air is impossible. A Russian man - with rare exceptions - does not know how to "sell" himself. There is always "wrong" in it.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the time for a stylistic break came. The new generation has already felt the taste and power of the style, and it is coming off. The first generation of stylistically preoccupied Russians. Getting high on style. Included in the style. This is the path of the Russian person to himself.

Victor Erofeev "Men"

I read this book a few years ago, or rather in 2005. Erofeev wrote a lot about what, from morning erection to Schnittke, but I remember this little chapter. How accurate, especially about cops and politicians, that every day before your eyes - some on the road, others on the TV screen.

You can't look at modern military uniforms without tears. Only sailors stand apart. New technologies and materials - the generals explained to Putin during the demonstration of samples of uniforms for the army, developed by ours, and I don’t know what to call it, okay, let it be a couturier. The stand-up collar on the jackets is huge, in which the recruit's neck is like a pencil in a glass, these cylindrical caps, whoever invented them first, would have to tie them to their heads forever, let them walk around Moscow like that, caps of crazy size, the military themselves call them airfields, and what love of camouflage. Spotted conscripts wander around the city, as if fresh from a forest belt, everything on them is shapeless, some kind of asexual creatures. And although a soldier of the Soviet army during the Second World War had meager uniforms: a gymnast, riding breeches, an overcoat, and a quilted jacket, if they were lucky, they looked courageous. And what was the silhouette, especially of the officers after the reform of 1943, even on the black and white chronicle, not to mention the reconstruction of the uniform of the times of the Great Patriotic War for modern parades.

So I wanted to go deeper into the topic of the military uniform of the Second World War. Besides, I personally am not so familiar with the chronicle of the allies. Other military operations. Even another war, for example, in the colonies, which I know only from the film "The Thin Red Line" by Terrence Malik.
But the main thing for us is the Eastern European Front.

US Army.

The US Army uniform is the most thoughtful and comfortable during the Second World War. It was she who set the army fashion to the entire post-war uniform. Even in our famous Afghan woman - the form of the sample of 1988, the features of the American uniform of the Second World War can be traced.

This junior commander of the US Army is dressed in standard field uniform and is equipped with full gear. Over a khaki woolen shirt, he wears a light field jacket; on his feet he has khaki trousers with linen gaiters of the same color and low brown boots. Initially, the infantry field uniform was a light khaki twill overalls, but soon the overalls were replaced by a woolen shirt and trousers. The sand-colored waterproof jacket had a zipper, as well as six or seven (depending on length) buttons in the front and slanting pockets on the sides.

On the right sleeve, you can see the rank patches, and on the left - the American flag (the Americans, given the tensions between England and France, took measures so that the French living in North Africa did not mistake their soldiers for British).
Post prepared hhhhhhhhl

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1. Private infantry division of the 1st Army June 6, 1944
2. Private 3rd Infantry Division January 1944 Post prepared hhhhhhhhl
3. Sergeant, 4th class, 101st Airborne Division June 1944
4. Private 101st Airborne Division November 1944

5 6 7 8

5. Private 1st Infantry Division April 1945
6. Air Force Lieutenant 1945
7. Air Force Captain 1944 Post prepared hhhhhhhhl
8. Technician-sergeant 2nd class of the Air Force 1945

Post prepared hhhhhhhhl

Post prepared hhhhhhhhl

Army of Great Britain.

The Royal Marines originally wore casual army khaki uniforms, but after the outbreak of war they began to wear the standard field uniform. The only distinguishing mark was a straight red and blue shoulder patch with the words 'Royal Marine' written on it. Royal commandos wore field uniforms with straight woven blue shoulder patches bearing the words Royal Marines, the unit number, and the red commando lettering. Post prepared hhhhhhhhl
Post prepared hhhhhhhhl

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1. Private East Yorkshire Regiment January 1940, this is a camouflage suit, supposed to be what it looks like in the snows of Norway;
2. Corporal Hampshire Regiment June 1940
3. Sergeant Wales Regiment Guards Division September 1940
4. Sergeant 1st Commando Squad of the Warship Campbeltown March 28, 1942
5. Air Force Sergeant 1943
Post prepared hhhhhhhhl
6 7 8 9 10 Post prepared hhhhhhhhl

6. Captain of the Guards Grenadier Regiment May 1940
7. Squadron Leader of the Air Force, 1945 Volunteer Reserve
8. Lieutenant Infantry 1944 This is an officer of a special reconnaissance unit (Desert Reconnaissance Group), so his form is very free, atypical for an ordinary infantryman.
9. Senior Air Force Officer, Observer Corps 1944
10. Lance Corporal 4th Infantry Division May 1940 Post prepared hhhhhhhhl

For add. thanks comments partizan_1812

Post prepared hhhhhhhhl
[In my opinion, they had some ridiculous helmets.]

Army of France.

Sadly, it should be noted that the French army in 1940 was completely infected with defeatist sentiments. They became widespread due to the "strange war", as well as the harsh winter of 1939-1940. Therefore, when German troops broke through the Ardennes, the French did not have enough determination to resist them.

Since 1945, the soldiers of the Free French troops had different uniforms. It was almost entirely American.

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1. Private Army "Free French" 1940
2. Sergeant Armored Forces 1940
3. Major 46th Infantry Regiment 1940
4. Senior Sergeant 502nd Air Reconnaissance Group 1940
5. Private infantry regiment 1945 (Example of American uniforms.)

Post prepared hhhhhhhhl

Red Army, that turned out to be the strongest.

I will not give a description of ours. Everyone has a view. But I want to recommend documentary- "Military uniform of the Red and Soviet Army". 4 episodes, 40 minutes each. The film tells in detail the history of the creation of military uniforms in the period from 1917 to 1991: chronicle, comments, Interesting Facts from the non-combat life of the army, the projects of the country's leadership and the reality that prevented the fulfillment of the plan. I was struck by the fact that even after the reduction of the army in the post-war years, those who remained in the service could not be dressed according to the prescribed standards. We were able to improve only clothing supply. The rules for wearing military clothing, approved in 1943, provided, in addition to the everyday, the presence of a dress uniform for soldiers and officers. But in fact, the officers were provided with this uniform only by 1948. Unfortunately, it was not possible to achieve the same with regard to sergeants, soldiers and cadets.
Download from rutracker.

The third film. 1940-1953

If you do not take into account the dress uniform, then the most important component of military uniforms is its functionality. During hostilities, the soldier must be equipped with uniforms and equipment with the calculation of convenience and practicality. Since ancient times, they recognize their own and others by their uniforms. The goal is pursued only one - so that you can see where to shoot and recognize your comrades and the enemy.

In ancient times, when the warrior's uniform was pretentious and replete with adornments and trimmings, there were curious cases. Historical fact is the case of 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 the Russian Cossacks.

During World War II the personnel of the army of the belligerent parties were outfitted in accordance with the traditions and economic capabilities of a particular state. It should be noted that the uniform and equipment changed depending on the season and theaters of combat.

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 hostilities 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, especially the rifle ones, did not correspond to the conditions of the winter, and even as severe as the past one. There were few felt boots, there were not enough short fur coats, mittens; the old helmet turned out to be unsuitable for wearing in extreme cold and had to be replaced with a hat with earflaps. "

The Red Army soldiers were equipped with the seasons in mind. In the summer, caps and helmets were used. The most common was the steel helmet. In the initial period of the war, the old SSh-40 helmet was still used, which had an overlay on its top. It was designed 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. As for saber attacks, the enemy will not get it.

The personnel of the rifle units wore cowhide boots or boots with tarpaulin windings. During mass mobilization, barley boots were replaced by tarpaulin boots.

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0 - Servicemen of the Red Army during the battles in Stalingrad

2 - Servicemen of the Red Army at the end of the war

In winter, caps with earflaps with earflaps were introduced, which protected the neck and ears from frost. The lightweight uniform also included cotton tunics with breast welt pockets, wide trousers, and a woolen overcoat with hooks. An overcoat was fitted, taking into account her socks on a quilted quilted jacket.

For storage property a knapsack or duffel bag was used. However, even during the Finnish campaign, it was noted that there were not enough knapsacks for supply, which was more convenient as an element of equipment. But its production (leather or tarpaulin was used) was expensive. Therefore, the soldiers of the rifle units were equipped with duffel bags.

The water was carried in an aluminum flask. To save aluminum, flasks of the same shape began to be made of bottle glass with a stopper (and not a screw cap). These flasks are also hung in a bag from a belt. But they did not possess either convenience or practicality. At the end of World War II, 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 men wore raincoat tents, which could be used to design individual and group tents. The tent set included an aluminum peg and a roll of hemp rope. In winter, the uniform was complemented by a sheepskin coat, wadded jacket or quilted jacket, fur mittens, felt boots and wadded trousers.

Thus, the uniform of the Red Army seemed to have been thought out to the smallest detail: there was even a compartment for an ax in the 1942 duffel bag. 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 form soldiers of the Wehrmacht included: a steel helmet with a double-sided cover, an overcoat, a gas mask case, a belt, rifle or automatic pouches, a raincoat-tent, a bowler hat. A leather satchel was used to store the 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. The Wehrmacht's uniforms were produced at the Hugo Boss factory and were full-fledged for European territories. Relying on lightning war did not provide for the procurement of warm clothes (short fur coats, fur products, felted boots and hats). The eastern front, with its frosts, required a completely different approach. During the first winter, the soldiers were freezing.

First of all, warm clothes save from frost. The troops, provided with uniforms for the season, are able to withstand any frost. Analyzing the memories of German servicemen belonging to this period, you understand how unsatisfactory the Wehrmacht army was provided, buried in the winter of 1941. “The lack of warm clothing 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 uniforms 1941
2 - Wehrmacht soldiers in winter uniforms after 1943

By the second winter there were changes. IN uniform insulated jackets, quilted trousers, as well as woolen gloves, sweaters and socks were introduced. But that was not enough. To solve the problem of supplying the troops with warm uniforms and shoes and to save their soldiers from frost, the troops began to make straw boots that were worn on ordinary boots. However, in the memoirs German soldiers, which have now appeared on the bookshelves, you can find a comparative assessment of the uniforms of Soviet and German soldiers. This assessment was not in favor of the latter's uniforms. Most of all there are complaints about the German soldier's greatcoats, made of fabric that is not adapted to any frost due to the low wool content.

Royal Armed Forces of Great Britain

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 units of the dominions had elements and distinctive features in uniforms, including field uniforms. Field uniform included: a blouse with a collar or woolen shirt, a steel helmet, loose trousers, a gas mask, a holster with a long belt, black boots and overcoats (jackets). By the beginning of hostilities in Europe, uniforms were adopted that differed from the previous one in individual elements. In connection with the massive recruitment of recruits, the form was simplified and became more universal.

During the war, minor changes took place, in particular, a lining appeared at the collar and other elements of clothing, which prevents the rough twill from rubbing against open skin. Buckles began to be produced with teeth. Instead of boots, British soldiers were provided with boots with short coils. British soldiers had to wear a heavy tropal cloak with a down lining. Knitted comforters were worn under the helmets in cold weather. In the African desert, uniforms were lightweight and often consisted of shorts and short-sleeved shirts.

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 massive.

1 - Sergeant. Territorial Guard for Wales. England, 1940
2 - Sergeant. 1st Command, 1942

U.S. Armed Forces

Field form For many years, American soldiers were considered the most comfortable and thought-out in the conditions of the Second World War. The uniform included a woolen shirt, a light field jacket, trousers with linen leggings, low brown boots, a helmet or a cap. All the clothes of the US soldiers differed in functionality. The jacket had a zip 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 jacket-parka, lace-up boots with fur. The US Armed Forces Command 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

Imperial Japanese Army

During World War II, the Japanese had uniform of three types... Each of them included a uniform, trousers, an overcoat and a cape. For warm weather, a cotton option is provided, for cold weather - a woolen one. The outfit also included a helmet, boots or boots. The provision of warm uniforms was carried out by servicemen operating in the north of China, Manchuria and Korea.

For a more severe climate, such an outfit was not suitable, because the uniform included an overcoat with fur cuffs, quilted woolen trousers, and underpants. It was only suitable 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 suitable for the southern European climate. For operations in the harsh weather conditions of 1941-943, the uniform of the Italian military personnel was completely unsuitable. During World War II, soldiers of the Italian Armed Forces wore a shirt and tie, a single-breasted jacket with a waist belt, breeches with windings or woolen socks, ankle-length boots. Some soldiers found it more convenient to use breeches.

A uniform not suitable for winter campaigns. The overcoat was made of 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" in 1943 noted that only a tenth of the soldiers during their stay in Russia were equipped with a suitable uniform.

The statistics of the Italian command report that 3,600 soldiers suffered from hypothermia in the first winter alone.

1 - Private of Army Group "Albania"

Army of France

French soldiers fought in colored uniform... They were outfitted in single-breasted tunics with buttons, double-breasted overcoats with side pocket flaps. The flaps of the greatcoat could be buttoned back to make it easier to walk. There were belt loops on the clothes. The foot troops wore coiled breeches. There were three types of headdresses. The most popular was the kepi. Adrian's helmets were also actively worn. Them distinctive feature- the presence of an emblem in front.

In very cold weather, the French uniform expanded its range to a sheepskin sheepskin coat. Such clothes can hardly be called optimal for different weather conditions.

1 - Private of the Free French Army
2 - Private of the Moroccan troops "Free France"

Determine which dress was exemplary difficult. Each army was provided depending on the economic possibilities and the planned regions of the troops' operations. However, miscalculations were often encountered when the calculation was based on lightning war, and the troops had to operate in severe cold conditions.