WW1 Uniform Russian Imperial Army

The uniforms of the Russian Imperial Army during World War I were quite distinct and varied depending on the branch of service, rank, and time period. Here’s an overview of the key elements of the Russian Imperial Army uniform during the Great War:

Infantry Uniform

• Colors: The standard color for Russian Imperial Army infantry was a dark green or khaki, which was later used as the base color during the war.
• Tunic (Kurtka): A dark green or khaki tunic was worn, often with a high collar, brass buttons, and a slight waist cut. The uniform was relatively simple but designed for practicality.
• Pants: The trousers were of a matching color, often with a strip of color running down the side to indicate the branch of service (e.g., red for artillery, yellow for infantry).
• Headgear: Infantry soldiers typically wore a shako or a M15 field cap, which had a distinct shape with a flat top and a visor. Some units also wore the Bashlik, a fur-trimmed hat for colder climates.
• Boots: High, leather boots were standard, though some soldiers wore ankle boots, especially during trench warfare.
• Insignia: The soldier's rank and unit would be indicated by epaulets on the shoulders. Higher ranks had more elaborate insignia, such as golden or silver cords or stars.

Cavalry Uniform

• Colors: Cavalry uniforms were often similar in color to those of the infantry, though they would sometimes have a slightly different shade depending on the regiment (e.g., red for cavalry).
• Headgear: The kulah was the primary headgear for cavalry units, a type of cap with a peak. Some units also wore the M15 field cap.
• Jacket: A distinctive jacket with shoulder epaulets and a higher collar was common. Cavalry units also wore a unique color combination depending on their unit, sometimes with specific facings and piping.

Artillery Uniform

• Colors: The artillery had a distinctive uniform that included the use of red or scarlet piping along the edges of the uniform to set them apart.
• Headgear: Artillery men typically wore a shako (similar to the infantry's), though a standard field cap was also common.
• Equipment: Artillerymen often carried a sword or sabre as part of their uniform, along with the typical pack and ammunition pouches.

Officers

Officers in the Russian Imperial Army during WWI wore more elaborate versions of the basic uniform, with differences such as:

• Gold or silver epaulets (depending on rank) and additional insignia.
• Piped collars and cuffs in specific colors to designate their branch (e.g., red for artillery, blue for infantry).
• Breeches: They often wore form-fitting trousers with stripes running down the side, often in the color of the branch.