Authenticity
Due to the relatively obscure nature of the battle we are recreating at this event, our team decided to take some time to research and decipher the details of what the troops wore on both sides. Unfortunately this is not a complete list - much of this research is utilizing limited resources. What is listed here are the unique characteristics so far found relevant to both impressions but we HIGHLY encourage all incoming units to conduct and share their own research. Since this is a living document, if you have any suggestions you would like to make please notify one of the event coordinators! TAKE NOTE! THIS TIME-FRAME IN TEXAS IS COLD! PLAN YOUR GEAR ACCORDINGLY! BAD WEATHER WILL NOT STOP THIS EVENT!
RKKA AUTHENTICITY
Soviet reenactors will be portraying members of the reconnessiance element of the 20th Guards Mechanized Brigade of the 8th Guards Mechanized Corps, 1st Tank Army (eventually will receive Guards status as a result of their actions at Hube’s Pocket). Many of these men were veterans of the fighting during the Zhitomir-Berdichev Offensive portrayed in our previous event Fight for Kazatin. During February the 8th GMC had been recuperating and regained strength with fresh troops before being put on line prior to the offensive. Therefore all RKKA reenactors should come motivated and ready to fight.
Headgear: According to most photos from the Kamenets-Podolsky Pocket the men of the 1st Guards Tank Army wore a plethora of ushankas or pilotka. As such suitable ushankas (modern or late-postwar ushankas are not allowed) and pilotka caps are encouraged. Proper cap stars are encouraged – no ‘staybright’ stars. However, for safety reasons everyone needs to have a SSH40 shlem (helmet).
Uniform: M43 uniform, preferably w/o pockets (pockets are perfectly acceptable if that is what you have. For ladies pockets are required). M35 uniforms are not encouraged but if that is what you have we will allow it.
Overcoats are encouraged for this event, but properly converted telogreikas are acceptable. Proper RKKA gloves, trigger-finger mittens or knit finger gloves, are accepted (no modern gloves).
Equipment: All men are expected to have a marching setup for the event, the principle idea being mobility and self-sufficiency. Gas mask bags are HIGHLY encouraged for all new and veteran reenactors as these were frequently used throughout the war. All Soviets are expected to use their meshok and wear their appropriate fieldgear on their belts.
Ammo pouches MUST be leather. Although Kirza is typically a ‘late-war’ equipment item, they were not available to frontline troops in the spring of 1944. As such we are actively discouraging their use for this event. Reserve ammo pouches or bandoleers however are acceptable for the time being.
German zeltbahns are readily acceptable for this event as a supplement or a replacement for the plash palatka (Note: You are still expected to be able to set up your own shelter during the night at the event – we will be camping in the open fields. No huts!).
Boots: Sapogi jackboots are preferred, but German jackboots are equally acceptable (evidence suggests that Soviet troops did steal from abandoned German caches of uniforms). Low boots of various kinds (US, British, or German are fine) WITH puttees (various colors are fine, but preferably green). If your footwear does not fit either criteria it will need approval on a case-by-case basis.
Captured Gear: Unlike many operations, the Kamenets-Podolsky Pocket frequently placed Red Army troops well ahead of their supply lines. German stocks however were plentiful and often readily available as men took up German weapons as spares in case of ammo shortages. As such this event will encourage the liberal use of German weapons including K98s, MP40s, MG-34/42s, and German pistols. However, STG-44s are not permitted nor are foreign weapons (ex. Czech LMGs).
Food: Due to the outpaced supply lines Red Army troops resorted frequently to taking food from local villages. Many civilians, relieved to be liberated from German oppression, liberally gave food out to the Soviet troops ranging from full cooked meals to stocks of honey or preservatives. At the same time German trucks left behind plenty of food, typically things considered ‘treats’ such as sardines, candies, chocolates, champagne, etc. We encourage all Soviets to be creative in their rations.
Former Partisans: The areas surrounding Kamenets-Podolsky during 1939-1941 were the scenes of fierce fighting which resulted in numerous units being broken up. Survivors, mixed with local resistance members, persisted throughout the occupation years until 1944. During the Prosukurov-Chernovets Offensive partisan bands received orders to form up and mix in with regular army troops.
Therefore, CONVERTED partisan impressions are acceptable. It is expected that those showing up as partisans expect to be joined into one squad/platoon separate from all other RKKA troops. They will also be under the command of a 20th GMB NCO.
GERMAN AUTHENTICITY
1st Panzer Army in the spring of 1944 was composed of mostly exhausted units defending the far left flank of Army Group South. Composed of 200,000 experienced troops, the units within the panzer army had been involved with the Second Battle of Kiev and various actions along the front including the Korsun-Cherkassy Pocket (1st SS Panzer Division). Although still mechanized the panzer army’s armor forces were dwindled to below strength and fuel shortages meant that panzergrenadiers mostly walked, rather than rode, to battle.
The guidelines provided here are bare bones and should be treated as a starting point for units to base their impressions off of, not the end-all. Independent research is HIGHLY encouraged to contribute to everyone’s impressions and the overall authenticity of the event.
Headgear: M43 feldmütze, M34 (Heer), or M40 (WSS) overseas caps. Stahlhelm (M40 or M42, no camouflage covers)
Uniform: Most of the German forces in this sector had not been relieved in months and thus still did not receive the latest uniforms or gear enmasse. As such, the M40 or M42 Feldbluse is encouraged, but M36 or M43 is acceptable based on each unit’s discretion. Trousers should be M40 or M43. No HBT (you will not want it anyways due to the expected frigid temperatures!) Jackboots or low-boots are accepted, but up to each unit’s discretion.
Equipment: Please follow your unit’s guidelines on fieldgear. It is suggested that all German participants be prepared for mobile combat and carrying everything they have on their backs. If a unit is bringing an MG, plan on carrying all ammo in a period manner. Carts are encouraged for units without any motorized transport.
Winter Gear: Although the spring thaws brought relief to the German troops, regular bouts of snow flurries and rain kept the Wehrmacht shivering in their boots. Evidence suggests overcoats were VERY common among regular frontline troops. However, parka sets did begin to appear in Ukraine at the beginning of 1944. All units should research the winter gear their units wore and adjust accordingly, but the shortlist includes M40 and M42 greatcoats (highly recommended for Heer), Kharkov Parkas for WSS, and camouflage parkas for both Heer (no water-and-tan models) and WSS.
Camouflage: Current evidence suggests minimal or no use of them due to cold temperatures. Smocks therefore are not encouraged, but helmet covers and zeltbahn are at the discretion of each unit.
Food: German troops were generally well-supplied with rations throughout the Hube’s Pocket ordeal. As convoys were abandoned withdrawing troops also plundered their own army’s supplies for treats or alcohol (NOTE: alcohol consumption is HIGHLY regulated and any instances of drunkenness MUST BE REPORTED). German troops also took advantage of local fares and village supplies to supplement their rations. As such German rations can be supplemented but not altogether made of regional Ukrainian foods.
Hiwis: Every Wehrmacht unit employed conscripted help from Soviet POWs and local civilians. We encourage such roles, but their impression must meet general German impression standards minus battlegear. Additionally all Hiwis must be attached to a squad or platoon.
Due to the relatively obscure nature of the battle we are recreating at this event, our team decided to take some time to research and decipher the details of what the troops wore on both sides. Unfortunately this is not a complete list - much of this research is utilizing limited resources. What is listed here are the unique characteristics so far found relevant to both impressions but we HIGHLY encourage all incoming units to conduct and share their own research. Since this is a living document, if you have any suggestions you would like to make please notify one of the event coordinators! TAKE NOTE! THIS TIME-FRAME IN TEXAS IS COLD! PLAN YOUR GEAR ACCORDINGLY! BAD WEATHER WILL NOT STOP THIS EVENT!
RKKA AUTHENTICITY
Soviet reenactors will be portraying members of the reconnessiance element of the 20th Guards Mechanized Brigade of the 8th Guards Mechanized Corps, 1st Tank Army (eventually will receive Guards status as a result of their actions at Hube’s Pocket). Many of these men were veterans of the fighting during the Zhitomir-Berdichev Offensive portrayed in our previous event Fight for Kazatin. During February the 8th GMC had been recuperating and regained strength with fresh troops before being put on line prior to the offensive. Therefore all RKKA reenactors should come motivated and ready to fight.
Headgear: According to most photos from the Kamenets-Podolsky Pocket the men of the 1st Guards Tank Army wore a plethora of ushankas or pilotka. As such suitable ushankas (modern or late-postwar ushankas are not allowed) and pilotka caps are encouraged. Proper cap stars are encouraged – no ‘staybright’ stars. However, for safety reasons everyone needs to have a SSH40 shlem (helmet).
Uniform: M43 uniform, preferably w/o pockets (pockets are perfectly acceptable if that is what you have. For ladies pockets are required). M35 uniforms are not encouraged but if that is what you have we will allow it.
Overcoats are encouraged for this event, but properly converted telogreikas are acceptable. Proper RKKA gloves, trigger-finger mittens or knit finger gloves, are accepted (no modern gloves).
Equipment: All men are expected to have a marching setup for the event, the principle idea being mobility and self-sufficiency. Gas mask bags are HIGHLY encouraged for all new and veteran reenactors as these were frequently used throughout the war. All Soviets are expected to use their meshok and wear their appropriate fieldgear on their belts.
Ammo pouches MUST be leather. Although Kirza is typically a ‘late-war’ equipment item, they were not available to frontline troops in the spring of 1944. As such we are actively discouraging their use for this event. Reserve ammo pouches or bandoleers however are acceptable for the time being.
German zeltbahns are readily acceptable for this event as a supplement or a replacement for the plash palatka (Note: You are still expected to be able to set up your own shelter during the night at the event – we will be camping in the open fields. No huts!).
Boots: Sapogi jackboots are preferred, but German jackboots are equally acceptable (evidence suggests that Soviet troops did steal from abandoned German caches of uniforms). Low boots of various kinds (US, British, or German are fine) WITH puttees (various colors are fine, but preferably green). If your footwear does not fit either criteria it will need approval on a case-by-case basis.
Captured Gear: Unlike many operations, the Kamenets-Podolsky Pocket frequently placed Red Army troops well ahead of their supply lines. German stocks however were plentiful and often readily available as men took up German weapons as spares in case of ammo shortages. As such this event will encourage the liberal use of German weapons including K98s, MP40s, MG-34/42s, and German pistols. However, STG-44s are not permitted nor are foreign weapons (ex. Czech LMGs).
Food: Due to the outpaced supply lines Red Army troops resorted frequently to taking food from local villages. Many civilians, relieved to be liberated from German oppression, liberally gave food out to the Soviet troops ranging from full cooked meals to stocks of honey or preservatives. At the same time German trucks left behind plenty of food, typically things considered ‘treats’ such as sardines, candies, chocolates, champagne, etc. We encourage all Soviets to be creative in their rations.
Former Partisans: The areas surrounding Kamenets-Podolsky during 1939-1941 were the scenes of fierce fighting which resulted in numerous units being broken up. Survivors, mixed with local resistance members, persisted throughout the occupation years until 1944. During the Prosukurov-Chernovets Offensive partisan bands received orders to form up and mix in with regular army troops.
Therefore, CONVERTED partisan impressions are acceptable. It is expected that those showing up as partisans expect to be joined into one squad/platoon separate from all other RKKA troops. They will also be under the command of a 20th GMB NCO.
GERMAN AUTHENTICITY
1st Panzer Army in the spring of 1944 was composed of mostly exhausted units defending the far left flank of Army Group South. Composed of 200,000 experienced troops, the units within the panzer army had been involved with the Second Battle of Kiev and various actions along the front including the Korsun-Cherkassy Pocket (1st SS Panzer Division). Although still mechanized the panzer army’s armor forces were dwindled to below strength and fuel shortages meant that panzergrenadiers mostly walked, rather than rode, to battle.
The guidelines provided here are bare bones and should be treated as a starting point for units to base their impressions off of, not the end-all. Independent research is HIGHLY encouraged to contribute to everyone’s impressions and the overall authenticity of the event.
Headgear: M43 feldmütze, M34 (Heer), or M40 (WSS) overseas caps. Stahlhelm (M40 or M42, no camouflage covers)
Uniform: Most of the German forces in this sector had not been relieved in months and thus still did not receive the latest uniforms or gear enmasse. As such, the M40 or M42 Feldbluse is encouraged, but M36 or M43 is acceptable based on each unit’s discretion. Trousers should be M40 or M43. No HBT (you will not want it anyways due to the expected frigid temperatures!) Jackboots or low-boots are accepted, but up to each unit’s discretion.
Equipment: Please follow your unit’s guidelines on fieldgear. It is suggested that all German participants be prepared for mobile combat and carrying everything they have on their backs. If a unit is bringing an MG, plan on carrying all ammo in a period manner. Carts are encouraged for units without any motorized transport.
Winter Gear: Although the spring thaws brought relief to the German troops, regular bouts of snow flurries and rain kept the Wehrmacht shivering in their boots. Evidence suggests overcoats were VERY common among regular frontline troops. However, parka sets did begin to appear in Ukraine at the beginning of 1944. All units should research the winter gear their units wore and adjust accordingly, but the shortlist includes M40 and M42 greatcoats (highly recommended for Heer), Kharkov Parkas for WSS, and camouflage parkas for both Heer (no water-and-tan models) and WSS.
Camouflage: Current evidence suggests minimal or no use of them due to cold temperatures. Smocks therefore are not encouraged, but helmet covers and zeltbahn are at the discretion of each unit.
Food: German troops were generally well-supplied with rations throughout the Hube’s Pocket ordeal. As convoys were abandoned withdrawing troops also plundered their own army’s supplies for treats or alcohol (NOTE: alcohol consumption is HIGHLY regulated and any instances of drunkenness MUST BE REPORTED). German troops also took advantage of local fares and village supplies to supplement their rations. As such German rations can be supplemented but not altogether made of regional Ukrainian foods.
Hiwis: Every Wehrmacht unit employed conscripted help from Soviet POWs and local civilians. We encourage such roles, but their impression must meet general German impression standards minus battlegear. Additionally all Hiwis must be attached to a squad or platoon.
