Culture never exists on its own, it is not separated, it is not cut off. Culture is always inscribed in society itself. There is politics, there is economics, there is culture. Different spheres of society, but they are always together and close, closely connected and sometimes confused. If a society has some kind of political system that has its own goals and objectives, and most importantly ideas, then it will certainly give rise to its own culture. It is both literature and art. Everywhere there will be an imprint of the ideas that dominate society. Whether it's building construction, paintings by artists or fashion. Fashion can also be associated with politics, weaved with an idea, tied to propaganda.

Military fashion. Why not? Indeed, the form of the Third Reich is still considered the most beautiful form. Uniform by Hugo Boss. Today Hugo Boss apologizes. However, they have a good company: Volkswagen, Siemens, BMW. They collaborated with the fascists; captured Poles and French worked in their enterprises in terrible conditions. They form. Uniform for the military of the Third Reich. However, at that time Hugo Boss was not yet a large company and a well-known brand. Hugo Ferdinand Bossovich Blase opened his tailoring workshop in 1923. Sewed overalls, windbreakers, raincoats mainly for workers. The income was not great and the tailor Hugo Boss understands that only a military order can save his business. However, Hugo Boss was only one of the 75,000 German private tailors covering the army. He also sewed the SS uniform.

The author of the black SS uniform, as well as many regalia of the Third Reich, was Karl Dibich. He was born in 1899. Will die many years after the end of World War II in 1985. His ancestors come from Silesia, possibly from Poland. Of Education . He also served in the SS as Oberführer. He designed the SS uniforms with graphic designer Walter Heck. Dibich also designed the Ahnenerbe logo and crosses for SS officers. A sort of genius, talent, in the service of the forces of darkness. By the way, Dibich was also the director of the Porzellan Manufaktur Allach porcelain factory in 1936 before the factory was transferred to the SS and moved to Dachau.

Walter Heck, a graphic artist, was also an SS-Hauptsturmführer. It was he who in 1933 developed the emblem of the SS, combining two runes "Zig" (the rune "zig" - lightning in ancient German mythology was considered a symbol of the god of war Thor). He also designed the emblem of the SA. And together with Karl Dibich he created the SS uniform.

Here is such a story. The history of the military uniform, which had its own designers.

Military insignia are present on the uniform of military personnel and indicate the corresponding personal rank, a certain affiliation to one of the types of armed forces (in this case, the Wehrmacht), branch of service, department or service.

Interpretation of the concept of "Wehrmacht"

These are the "defense forces" in 1935-1945. In other words, the Wehrmacht (photo below) is nothing but the armed forces of Nazi Germany. At the head is the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces of the country, in whose subordination were the ground forces, the Navy and the Air Force, and the SS troops. They were led by the main commands (OKL, OKH, OKM) and the commanders-in-chief of various types of the Armed Forces (since 1940 also the SS troops). Wehrmacht - Reich Chancellor A. Hitler. A photo of Wehrmacht soldiers is shown below.

According to historical data, the word in question in the German-speaking states denoted the armed forces of any country. It acquired its usual meaning when the NSDAP came to power.

On the eve of the Second World War, the Wehrmacht numbered approximately three million people, and its maximum strength was 11 million people (as of December 1943).

Varieties of military signs

These include:

Uniform and insignia of the Wehrmacht

There were several varieties of uniforms and clothing. Each soldier had to independently monitor the condition of his weapons and uniforms. Their replacement was carried out in accordance with the established procedure or in case of serious damage during the exercise. Military uniforms lost color very quickly due to washing and daily brushing.

The shoes of the soldiers were subjected to a thorough inspection (at all times, bad boots were a serious problem).

Since the formation of the Reichswehr in the period 1919 - 1935), the military uniform has become unified for all existing German states. Its color is "feldgrau" (translated as "field gray") - a wormwood shade with a predominant green pigment.

A new uniform (the uniform of the Wehrmacht - the armed forces of Nazi Germany in the period 1935 - 1945) was introduced along with a new steel helmet model. Ammunition, uniforms and a helmet did not outwardly differ from their predecessors (which existed back in the Kaiser era).

At the whim of the Fuhrer, the smartness of the military was emphasized by a large number of various elements with signs, stripes, piping, badges, etc.). By applying a black-white-red imperial cockade and a tricolor shield on the helmet on the right side, devotion to National Socialism was expressed. The appearance of the imperial tricolor dates back to mid-March 1933. In October 1935, it was supplemented by an imperial eagle holding a swastika in its claws. At this time, the Reichswehr was renamed the Wehrmacht (the photo was shown earlier).

This topic will be considered in relation to the Ground Forces and Waffen SS.

Insignia of the Wehrmacht and specifically the SS troops

To begin with, some points should be clarified. First, the SS troops and the SS organization itself are not identical concepts. The latter is the militant component of the Nazi Party, formed by members of a public organization, parallel to the SS, conducting their profiling activities (worker, shopkeeper, civil servant, etc.). They were allowed to wear a black uniform, which since 1938 has been replaced by a light gray uniform with two Wehrmacht-type shoulder straps. The latter reflected the general SS ranks.

As for the SS troops, it can be said that they are a kind of security detachments (“reserve troops” - “Dead Head” formations - Hitler’s own troops), in which only members of the SS were accepted. They were equated with the soldiers of the Wehrmacht.

The difference in the ranks of members of the SS organization in buttonholes existed until 1938. On the black uniform there was a single shoulder strap (on the right shoulder), by which it was possible to find out only the category of a particular SS member (private or non-commissioned officer, or junior or senior officer, or general). And after the introduction of a light gray uniform (1938), another distinctive feature was added - shoulder straps of the Wehrmacht type.

The insignia of the SS and military personnel and members of the organization are the same. However, the former still wear a field uniform, which is an analogue of the Wehrmacht. It has two epaulettes, outwardly similar to those of the Wehrmacht, and their military rank insignia are identical.

The rank system, and consequently the insignia, underwent changes many times, the last of which occurred in May 1942 (they did not transform until May 1945).

The military ranks of the Wehrmacht were designated with buttonholes, epaulettes, galloons and chevrons on the collar, and the last two insignia were also on the sleeves, as well as special sleeve patches mainly on camouflage military clothing, various stripes (gaps of a contrasting color) on trousers, headwear design.

It was the field uniform of the SS that was finally established around 1938. If we consider the cut as a comparison criterion, then we can say that the uniform of the Wehrmacht (ground forces) and the uniform of the SS were no different. In color, the second one was a little grayer and lighter, the green tint was practically not visible.

Also, if we describe the insignia of the SS (specifically, the patch), then the following points can be distinguished: the imperial eagle was slightly above the middle of the segment from the shoulder to the elbow of the left sleeve, its pattern differed in the shape of the wings (there were often cases when it was the Wehrmacht eagle that was sewn onto the field uniform of the SS ).

Also, a distinctive feature, for example, on the SS tank uniform, was that the buttonholes, like those of the Wehrmacht tankers, were in pink edging. The insignia of the Wehrmacht in this case is represented by the presence of a “dead head” in both buttonholes. SS tankers in the left buttonhole could have insignia by rank, and in the right - either a “dead head” or SS runes (in some cases it might not have signs or, for example, in a number of divisions the emblem of tankers was placed there - skull with crossbones). Even buttonholes were located on the collar, the size of which was 45x45 mm.

Also, the insignia of the Wehrmacht include how the numbers of battalions or companies were squeezed out on the buttons of the uniform, which was not done in the case of the SS military uniform.

The emblems of shoulder straps, although identical to those of the Wehrmacht, were quite rare (the exception was the first tank division, where the monogram on shoulder straps was regularly worn).

Another difference in the system accumulating SS insignia is how the soldiers who were candidates for the rank of SS navigator wore a lace of the same color as his piping at the bottom of the shoulder strap. This rank is an analogue of the Gefreiter in the Wehrmacht. And candidates for SS Unterscharführer also wore a nine-millimeter wide galloon (braid embroidered with silver) at the bottom of the shoulder strap. This rank is an analogue of a non-commissioned officer in the Wehrmacht.

As for the ranks of the rank and file, there the difference was in the buttonholes and sleeve patches, which were above the elbow, but below the imperial eagle in the center of the left sleeve.

If we consider camouflage clothing (where there are no buttonholes and shoulder straps), we can say that the SS men on it never had insignia in ranks, but they preferred to release collars with their buttonholes over this one.

In general, the discipline of wearing a uniform in the Wehrmacht was much higher than in the troops of which they allowed themselves a large number of liberties regarding this issue, and their generals and officers did not seek to stop this kind of violation, on the contrary, they often made similar ones. And this is only a small part of the distinctive features of the uniforms of the Wehrmacht and the SS troops.

To summarize all of the above, we can conclude that the insignia of the Wehrmacht is much wiser than not only the SS, but also the Soviet ones.

Ranks of the ground forces

They were presented as follows:

• privates;
• non-commissioned officers without belts (galoon or belt sling for wearing a tashka, cold, and later firearms);
• non-commissioned officers with belts;
• lieutenants;
• captains;
• staff officers;
• generals.

Combat ranks extended to military officials of various departments and departments. The military administration was subdivided into categories from the most junior non-commissioned officers to noble generals.

Military colors of the ground forces of the Wehrmacht

In Germany, the branch of service was traditionally designated by the corresponding colors of edging and buttonholes, hats and uniforms, and so on. They changed quite often. During the outbreak of World War II, the following color distinction was in effect:

1. White - infantry and border guards, financiers and treasurers.
2. Scarlet - field, horse and self-propelled artillery, as well as general edging, buttonholes and stripes.
3. Raspberry or carmine red - non-commissioned officers of the veterinary service, as well as buttonholes, stripes and epaulettes of the Headquarters and the General Staff of the Wehrmacht High Command and the ground forces.
4. Pink - anti-tank self-propelled artillery; edging of tank uniform details; gaps and selection of buttonholes of service tunics of officers, gray-green jackets of non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
5. Golden yellow - cavalry, reconnaissance units of tank units and scooters.
6. Lemon yellow - signal troops.
7. Burgundy - military chemists and courts; smoke curtains and multi-barreled reactive "chemical" mortars.
8. Black - engineering troops (sapper, railway, training units), technical service. The sappers of tank units have a black and white border.
9. Cornflower blue - medical and sanitary personnel (except for generals).
10. Light blue - edges of motor transport parts.
11. Light green - military pharmacists, rangers and mountain units.
12. Grass green - motorized infantry regiment, motorcycle units.
13. Gray - army propagandists and landwehr and reserve officers (edging on epaulettes of military colors).
14. Gray-blue - registration service, ranks of the American administration, specialist officers.
15. Orange - military police and officers of the engineering academy, recruiting service (pipe color).
16. Purple - military priests
17. Dark green - military officials.
18. Light red - quartermasters.
19. Light blue - military lawyers.
20. Yellow - horse reserve service.
21. Lemon - feldpochta.
22. Light brown - recruit training service.

Shoulder straps in the military uniform of Germany

They had a dual purpose: as a means of determining the rank and as carriers of a unitary function (fasteners on the shoulder of various kinds of equipment).

The shoulder straps of the Wehrmacht (rank and file) were made of simple cloth, but with the presence of an edging, which had a certain color corresponding to the type of troops. If we take into consideration the shoulder straps of a non-commissioned officer, then we can note the presence of an additional edging, consisting of braid (width - nine millimeters).

Until 1938, there was a special army epaulette exclusively for the field uniform, which was worn by all ranks below the officer. It was entirely dark blue-green in color with the end slightly tapered towards the button. It did not have a piping corresponding to the color of the military branch. Wehrmacht soldiers embroidered insignia (numbers, letters, emblems) on them to highlight the color.

The officers (lieutenants, captains) had narrower shoulder straps, which looked like two intertwining strands made of a flat silvery “Russian braid” (the strand was woven in such a way that thinner threads were visible). All strands were sewn onto the valve of the color of the branch of service, which is at the heart of this shoulder strap. A special bend (U-shaped) of the braid in the place of the button hole helped to create the illusion of eight of its strands, when in fact there were only two.

The shoulder straps of the Wehrmacht (headquarters officers) were also made using the “Russian braid”, but in such a way as to demonstrate a row consisting of five separate loops located on both sides of the shoulder strap, in addition to the loop around the button located in its upper part.

The general's shoulder straps had a distinctive feature - "Russian braid". It was made from two separate golden strands, twisted on both sides with a single silver ribbed thread. The method of weaving meant the visibility of three knots in the middle and four loops on each side of it, in addition to one loop located around the button at the top of the shoulder strap.

Wehrmacht officials had, as a rule, the same shoulder straps as those of the active army. However, they were still distinguished by the slight introduction of a thread of dark green braid and various emblems.

It would not be superfluous to recall once again that shoulder straps are signs of the Wehrmacht.

Buttonholes and shoulder straps of generals

As mentioned earlier, the generals of the Wehrmacht wore shoulder straps, for weaving which were used two thickened gold-metal cords and a silver soutache between them.

They also had removable epaulettes, which (as in the case of the ground forces) were lined with scarlet cloth with a special figured cutout running along the contour of the harnesses (their lower edge). And the bending and sewn-in shoulder straps were distinguished by a direct lining.

The generals of the Wehrmacht wore silver stars on their shoulder straps, while there was some difference: major generals did not have stars, lieutenant generals - one, a general of a certain type of troops (infantry, tank troops, cavalry, etc.) - two, oberst general - three (two adjacent stars at the bottom of the shoulder strap and one slightly above them). Previously, there was such a rank as a colonel general in the position of field marshal general, which was not used by the beginning of the war. The epaulette of this rank had two stars, which were placed in its upper and lower parts. It was possible to distinguish the general-field marshal by the crossed silver batons along the shoulder strap.

There were also exceptional moments. So, for example, Gerd von Rundstedt (Field Marshal General, who was removed from command due to the defeat near Rostov, chief of the 18th Infantry Regiment) wore the regiment number on the shoulder straps on top of the field marshal's batons, as well as on the collar the white and silver front buttonholes of an infantry officer troops instead of richly ornamented gold buttonholes embroidered on a scarlet cloth flap (40x90 mm in size) relying on generals. Their drawing was found back in the days of the Kaiser's army and the Reichswehr, with the formation of the GDR and the FRG, it also arose among the generals.

From the beginning of April 1941, elongated buttonholes were introduced for field marshals, which had three (instead of the previous two) ornamental elements and shoulder straps made of golden thickened harnesses.

Another sign of general dignity is stripes.

The field marshal could also carry in his hand a natural baton, which was made of especially valuable wood, individually designed, generously inlaid with silver and gold and decorated with reliefs.

personal identification mark

It had the form of an oval aluminum token with three longitudinal slots, which served to ensure that at a certain moment (the hour of death) it could be broken into two halves (the first, where there were two holes, was left on the body of the deceased, and the second half with one hole was given to headquarters).

Wehrmacht soldiers wore this, as a rule, on a chain or on a neck lace. The following was stamped on each token: blood type, badge number, numbers of the battalion, regiment where this badge was issued for the first time. This information was to accompany the soldier throughout the entire service life, if necessary, supplemented by similar data from other units and troops.

The image of the German soldiers can be seen in the photo "Wehrmacht Soldier" shown above.

Finding in Besh-Kungei

According to official data, in April 2014, a treasure from the era of the Second World War was found by a citizen D. Lukichev in the village of Besh-Kungei (Kyrgyzstan). When digging a cesspool, he came across a metal army field locker of the Third Reich. Its contents are a baggage shipment of 1944 - 1945. (age - more than 60 years), which is not affected by moisture due to tight insulation through the rubber gasket of the lid of the box.

It included:

• a light case with the inscription "Mastenbrille" containing glasses;
• a folded travel bag with pockets filled with toiletries;
• mittens, interchangeable collars, socks with footcloths, clothes brush, sweater, suspenders and dust protectors;
• a bundle tied with twine, with a supply of leather and fabric for mending;
• granules of some kind of remedy (presumably from moths);
• an almost new tunic worn by a Wehrmacht officer, with a spare sewn-on emblem of the military branch and a metal badge;
• hats (winter hat and kepi) with insignia;
• military passes through front-line checkpoints;
• a banknote of five Reichsmarks;
• a couple of bottles of rum;
• a box of cigars.

Dmitry thought about donating most of the uniforms to the museum. As for the bottles of rum, the box of cigars and the tunic worn by the officer of the Wehrmacht, he wants to keep them for himself on the rights of the legal 25% laid down by the state when finding historical value.

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 impassability” 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. There is a white eagle on the chest, 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 gray 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).

The standard saddle during the war was the M25 (Armcesattel 25), a wooden frame covered in leather. Various harnesses were used on the saddle for transporting something, bags were attached to the front, the left for the horse (food, service), the right for a 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, the soldiers were exposed to frost for a long time, 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 civilian 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 soldier, 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 field green fabric. The photo shows an 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. An integral part of mountain shooters are artillery, reconnaissance, engineering, anti-tank and other auxiliary units, nominally having mountain qualifications. 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.

Trousers pattern 1943 have a more practical design. But due to the difficult economic situation in the country, materials of lower and 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 the right sleeve, the badge of 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 gray, 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.

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.”

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 a 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. 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 relatives: “Passing through Gumrak, I saw a crowd of our retreating soldiers, they are trudging 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. The entire European military class very soon began to change into khaki jackets, and Soviet soldiers took Berlin in 1945 in boots with windings.

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 three types of uniforms. 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 knee-high socks, and ankle-length 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 distinguished by its functionality and thoughtful appearance. It did not freeze, and this was one of the decisive factors in the war.

Photo: Alexey Gorshkov

The 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. In autumn and 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 carried by the 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 kit for cleaning a rifle, a sweater, a towel, a soap dish.