Russia 1941 -1943

The basic uniform remained the same as for the French campaign, and indeed many troops held onto their now-unofficial collar tabs. Camouflage caps were introduced in 1942. For the winter of 1942-3, various types of padded parkas replaced the ubiquitous greatcoat. Padded winter boots were also seen, as by now the lessons of winter 1941-2 had been learnt. 1942 saw the introduction of the simplified M42 tunic. The jackboots were now made with slightly shorter shafts.

  • M36 or M40 or M42 tunic (with single or double skull collar tabs)
  • SS-VT or M40 sidecap, M42 field cap in plane tree
  • M40 Keilhose
  • M40 or M35 Stahlhelm
  • M40 or M42 greatcoat
  • Grey to white padded parka, or "Kharkov parka"
  • Belt and buckle
  • Jackboots
  • Type 1 smock (ie no foliage loops) in Plane Tree, burred edge, or Palmenmuster camouflage
  • Type 1 helmet cover (no foliage loops) in Plane Tree
  • Bread bag
  • Gas mask canister
  • Y straps
  • A-frame
  • Zeltbahn (Plane tree preferably)
  • Water bottle
  • Mess tins
  • Bayonet and frog
  • Entrenching tool and carrying case
  • Gas cape

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