redarmylivinghistory

today i was looking through a book of mine about kirsk, when i came across a number of photos of russian soldiers wearing m35 gymnastiorkas with shoulder boards... that is what has confused me and on top of that i have also seen pictured of naval infantry doing the same
is there a simple explanation or have i missed something out?

Hi Craig, this happened after the introduction of pogoni (shoulderboards) in 1943. These new badges of rank were added to the old 35 pattern Gyms by some men until new Obr43 uniforms became widespread issue.

Cheers, Ade.

Also known (though not officially) as a 'transitional' uniform. According to Fraser, a man who knows, most conversions were done in the field and involved stripping off the pitlitsii and attaching the pagoni with whayever was at hand. The outright conversion of Obr35s to 43 standard by unit tailors was not unknown, too.

ahh that makes sence-thanks guys