Army Uniforms
Of the Great Patriotic War
(1941-1945)

   

  

Great Patriotic War Uniforms

The army used two official patterns of uniform during the Great Patriotic War.  The first pattern was the older 1940 design, but this was changed in 1943 to bring back a more traditional Russian look.  This raised morale and helped give the people a tangible link to the military history of Russia.  Soon after the 1943 pattern uniforms were introduced, a massive propaganda campaign began.  Its goal was to use every possible reminder of traditional Russian patriotism to inspire the people to defend their homeland. The campaign was amazingly successful.

The changes did away with years of Bolshevik military fashion, and allowed the Red Army to fight the greatest war in its history as Russians, not Soviets.  Towards the end of the war new Victory Parade uniforms would be issued as well.  The Red Army designers had turned their back on the Bolshevism of the 1920's and 1930's for good

.Select the branch of service that you wish to learn more about below.  I should mention that Naval Infantry uniforms are listed in the Naval section.  The  state security section will cover agencies that did not fall under the Ministry of Defense (such as the NKVD).   Specialized field gear will also be added in the near future.

 

Army Uniforms Specialized Field Gear Air Force Uniforms
Naval Uniforms Back to the
The Great Patriotic War		 State Security Uniforms