RKKA
1941-1945
RECREATED
As a recreated unit, we will strive to do the most accurate portrayal of the common Soviet Infanryman during the Great War. Members are expected to maintain a high standard in behavior, appearance and dedication. Our primary focus is living history not busting caps in the woods.
Members are expected to obtain the most correct uniform and equipment possible. We are not a unit that believes in the "anything goes" or 10 foot rule approach. This is not to say that everyone is expected to have the same color tunic or same exact ammo pouches. There was variation in issue. However, we will take the approach that most of our members went through training at roughly the same time and were issued clothing and equipment from the same depot at the same time. This would lend itself to a certain amount of uniformity.
The Soviet Army went through 2 distinct uniform changes during the course of The Great Patriotic War. Along with these changes were to be found several minor uniform variations. The 16th earned its reputation as a dependable assault unit at Kursk. The appearance of our recreated unit is based on the many photos of the 16th from 1944-1945. Operation Bagration and the initial advances into Lithuania (June/July 1944) is the primary focus of our impression.
M43 Tunic w/ infantry shoulder boards
M36/43 Trousers
Low Boots
Leg Wraps
Pilotka (side cap) with subdued star
M40 Helmet(Chech helmets must be converted)
Web Belt w/ Leather reinforcement
One Ammo Pouch for MN91/30
Canteen w/ Cover
E Tool w/ proper cover
Tin or Enamel Cup
Gasmask Bag
and/or
Meshok Pack
Rain Cape
Great Coat with or with out insignia
Ushanka
Recommended Uniform and Equipment Suppliers
Ostfront
Collect Russia
A comprehensive list of equipment and clothing with the prefered vendor for the item will be supplied to all interested individuals. We reccomend contacting the unit leadership before purchasing items.
The Mosin Nagant M91/30 is the required weapon, but any weapon below is fine.
Mosin Nagant M1938 Carbine
Tokarev SVT-38
Tokarev SVT-40
DP-1928 light machine gun
PPD-40 submachine gun
PPSh-41 submachine gun (modified SR41)
PPS-43 submachine gun (post 1943 events)
ROKS 2 or ROKS 3 flamethrower
Recommended Reading :
Fighting Back
By Dov Levin
Soviet Infantry Tactics in WW 2
By Charles Sharp.
Tank Rider
By Evgeni Bossonov, Bair Irincheev (translator)
Red Army Uniforms 1918 -1945 in Color Photographs
By Shalito, Savchenkov, Roginsky, Tsyplenkov.
My Just War
By Gabriel Temkin