Uniform & Equipment
If you want to join us, then you will need a certain amount of basic equipment. Whilst this isn't as expensive as other World War 2 re-enactment areas, it is still expensive! But the group members will help you and there is always enough kit around for you to get started before you have to buy anything.
Unlike other nationalities, there is still plenty of original Soviet equipment available , so there is no excuse for getting things wrong. If you are unsure of anything contact any of the group members and we'll point you in the right direction.
Below is a basic list of equipment and uniform items that you will need. Although to start of with a good tunic, trousers, side cap, boots and belt will be enough!
Pilotka. This is the standard Soviet field cap. An original is best of course, unless you are prepared to work at converting a post war pilotka! They can be worn with both normal and subdued stars on the front.
Ushanka. The most easily recognisable bit of Soviet equipment is the Ushanka. Finding a good one isn't easy so be careful. In service they came in many forms and colours, but avoid bright "fantasy" types.
Shlem. The Obr 40 Steel Helmet is the version used by the 13th. There are many helmets out there including 1960's Soviet and Czech helmets, which are not correct. It must have a canvas chinstrap and 3 pads inside the helmet. Before you buy seek advice from us!
Here is the inside of the helmet. This is a group members 1948 made Obr40. A wartime helmet liner and strap would look like this.
Gymnasturka. These are simple pull over tunics made of cotton. They are in 2 basic forms. Early forms (known as the M35) have a collar and badges and late forms (known as the M43) do not have a collar but have shoulderboards. 2 Examples are shown here of an early infantry tunic and a later private of the NKVD tunic.
Here is a close up of the collar patch detail for the M35 Gymnasturka.
Sapogi. The Soviets marching boot. Unlike the Wermacht the Soviets understood the cold and these boots are excellent. They are rubber soled and are made from a mix of leather and canvas.
Bryuki. These are the standard wartime trousers for soldiers. Used by both men and women. Originals can be found and there are many good reproductions available. Winter variants of this are padded like the Telogeika.
Shinel. The thick and heavy winter greatcoat for all ranks. They come in various styles and colours. Again an original is preferable, but a good reproduction is relatively cheap.
Telogreika. The padded winter jacket of the Soviet army. There are both early and late versions of this. Speak to anyone in the unit about buying this type BEFORE you do it. Some reproductions are better than others!
Kotelok. These come in 2 forms. The original, WW1 russian "pot" variant and the more modern "German" style. Both of these are acceptable.
Poyas. The Soviet Army belt comes in leather or canvas. Here is the leather version.
And this is the canvas type.
Lapata. The standard Soviet infantry entrenching tool. The shovel and cover have a few different variants, so please ask before you buy.
Mosin Rifle System. This is the standard weapon for new soldiers and is very popular amongst Soviet re-enactors. Relatively cheap and robust.
Mosin system ammunition pouch. These can be in a variety of coulours and materials.
PPSh41 Machine Gun. This is more common for later war events.
Meshok. This is the standard backpack for all Soviet troops. The post war version can be used but it will need conversion.
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