A few questions about the WWII uniform of the Red Army

[ObKrieger]

Hi guys,

I am having a hard time finding info on this with Google. I am just curious as to how the uniform of the Red Army worked. My mind likes to structure things in a very specific hands-on, timeline fashion, so please correct me if any of my dates are wrong.

So, from what I gather, the obr. 35 gymnasterka was the standard uniform until 1943, when it was replaced by the obr. 43. Was it entirely replaced, or was there a mix worn in the field until the obr. 35 was slowly phased out? What replaced the obr. 43, and when? Was one model used more than the other, and are either particularly hard to find?

Also, when did the telogreika come out? Were these worn over the gymnasterka?

Was the enlisted version different from the officer's version?

Are there any other significant models I should know about?

Any info or photos would be great! Thanks, Mo

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Mo, you have a good basic grasp of the subject.

To elaborate further:

The two patterns of uniforms came in both summer weight material, cotton drill and winter weight in woolen material (Oddly enough, not that thick actually when compared to a British BD Blouse).

With the introduction of the Obr43 pattern uniform and the new shoulder boards (Pogoni), there was a crossover period which lasted for much of 1943, which saw troops adding the new shoulder boards to their old Obr35 gyms creating a hybrid look.

The Telog was originally designed to be worn UNDER the Greatcoat (Shinel) but it was found to be adequate on it's own worn over the Gym. First introduced in 1929. Long white underwear, a sleeved shirt and Long Johns were also worn, again in summer cotton and winter wool. Earlier issues were buttonless V necked, later ones with a three button front round neck, to match the uniform.

Officers uniforms were slightly better quality. The Gym was a dark green shade as opposed to the khaki of the enlisted men.

The Obr43 Gym was originally issued with breast pockets for enlisted men. But after sept 44, they also got the luxury of pockets. This uniform was worn until 1969.

Today the Obr35 Gym is hard to find, particually in the enlisted mans version. Most were worn to destruction. Wartime Obr43 pattern enlisted gyms are not easy to find either come to that.

That pretty much covers it I think?

Cheers, Ade.

[Adrian Stevenson]

This is an excellent site with nice colour pics of uniforms being worn today: Click on each image to expand it:

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[ObKrieger]

Thanks Ade, I think I'm ready to start looking for an original. I hope I don't have to look to hard. I would prefer an enlistedman's pattern of either, so if you know of any for sale please let me know. That link was fantastic.

How much do post-war obr. 43 gymnasterkas typically go for? Are they different from wartime ones? I might invest in one as a placeholder if I have a hard time finding a pre-1945 example.

[GIZMO8Z]

Hi Mo,

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[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Mo, the link Joe provided will give you a good idea on prices.

I might be able to help with a 1950's era Gym. The real detail difference will be an internal pocket sewn onto the pocket lining to take the ID card. Other than that, they are really the same.

Cheers, Ade.

[jimpy]

This is an excellent site with nice colour pics of uniforms being worn today: Click on each image to expand it:

Óíèôîðìà Êðàñíîé Àðìèè è Ôëîòà

Great link Ade,
As is fairly common knowledge, I make models but dont have much interest in the Red Army etc, BUT, I also happen to have a couple of figure kits in the "to do" cupboard and this will provide me with some very useful info.

Thanks for posting it.

Regards etc
Ian D

AKA: Jimpy

[ObKrieger]

Thanks guys!

Ade, if you could help me find a 1950's gymnasterka, that would be great.