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Post by jcaputo on Sept 1, 2010 15:58:39 GMT -8
I recently picked up a book of Imperial Russian WWI uniforms and equipment. In the book there are several examples of Russian boots. I noticed the Russian 1806 and 1908 boots were very similar to the if not identical to the German 1939 model Jack boots that those of us who re-enact German WWII wear. This is the version with the seam running down the back. Oposed to the WWI German boot with the seam running down the side. It got me thinking if this would be evidence enough to justify the wearing of the 1939 German boots in the trenches. If you have read All quiet on the Western Front the book talks about German soldiers trading boots with Russian POWs. They book mentions the Russian leather was softer and of higher quality, making them a favorite of many German soldiers. I have also read that the German army captured quite a bit of Russian material after Tannenburg, so if could be possible that some German soldiers actually got issued Russian boots. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I know its a very small detail, but I thought this information might be of interest.
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Post by Wolfgang on Sept 7, 2010 12:08:19 GMT -8
The Germans-- as well as other combatants-- used captured equipment when they had it in large enough amounts to justify re-issuing it. Illya gave me a German canteen cover that came off a Russian canteen--the captured canteen had simply been refurbished with a German cover and re-issued. I have a photo of a Russian maxim being used by the Austro-Hungarians on the Italian front, and of course we all have seen the photo of the French using a captured MG08. I believe the Belgians we issued captured German gas masks.
Of course, care should taken before we use 'captured' items at Oz, even though it is authentic, it will detract from the aura of authenticity if overdone.
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Post by bigshoe on Sept 11, 2010 17:47:25 GMT -8
Russian boots are taller (16 to 18 inches) they were closer to a riding boot in construction(back strap) and the shaft was of very soft leather. The russians used mostly sumac tanned leather for boot construction that was pit tanned for up to six months, making very fine leather. My computer crashed and I lost most of my pics but i will see if I can retrace them.
Tom
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