For those curious, here is how a well-equipped, pre-German invasion, early WWII Soviet soldier would have been equipped. Robbie here is missing his greatcoat and shelter half, which would have been carried in a roll over the shoulders, but other than that, he’s got pretty much everything (more photos below the cut):
I haven't posted many of the photos from the living history event at the Virginia Museum of Military Vehicles because Read More
Where does everything go again? Soviets getting their kits together while Marc wanders off. Two Sovietski (father and daughter). Mike laughs Read More
This photo of our friend Squid (so-named due to his real-life profession in the navy) dressed as a German fallschirmjager Read More
For those wondering what it's like to sleep at a reenactment: This is me, under our open-ended shelter, in 40-degree Read More
One of the great things about having events at Eisenhower Farm is that the area itself is beautiful. Ike sure Read More
This photo of our friend Squid (so-named due to his real-life profession in the navy) dressed as a German fallschirmjager Read More
Nice pics! He seems too well equiped.
He’s well equipped because he’s equipped as a Soviet soldier would have been in 1938-39, back when they were still on the side of the Germans and still had good supply lines because they hadn’t mobilized their entire country yet, hence my reference to him as a “well-equipped, pre-German invasion, early WWII Soviet soldier “. In 1938, they did start out like this. The stereotype of the ill-equipped Soviet infantryman taking gear from their dead comrades and enemies is something that comes later, starting in 1941-ish.
Good answer!
Comrade, a quetion if you please. It’s for the asking if the star on the helmut is an authentic or more or less something for the decoration? It seems to me painting a large red target on your noodle is not such the great idea? Something like magnet for German bullets, neit?
Dieing to know…
It’s authentic. These are original helmets that have been refurbished by our commander. The star seems silly, yes, but the paint job on these is copied directly from an original in his possession. However, many soldiers scraped them off or painted over them after a few months. But, since these shots are meant to represent a soldier straight off the supply line, it’s correct. Also, this is a presentation of an early war (1938-40) soldier, so at this point, we’re still on the side of the Germans.
Thanks for that, it seems to go to this much trouble, it would be authentic, but really a big red star right on the frontal lobe?
This hobby take you very deeply into the history of things.
all the best.
Though his impression is fantastic, this wouldn’t be pre-invasion with those subdued collar tabs. Great photos though, and I love those pre-war ammo pouches!