The Russian Expeditionary Force infantryman's uniform in the France consisted of a drab green Гимнастиу (gymnasterka) and trousers, made of cotton for summertime and wool for winter. Over many washings the green dye would gradually fade into a light green or khaki, giving the army a mis-matched look when not wearing new uniforms. The погони (pogoni), or shoulderboards for the Russian Legion are to be of green material with white piping and white rank lace.
The general Legion Russe impression.
Though the REF soldier's uniform is Russian (furashka, gymnasterka, sapogi, shinel), his equipment was issued to him by the French military. In the image above, the REF soldier carried, in addition to his Russian uniform, French Adrian helmet, French y-straps and ammunition pouches, a French canteen and tinned cup, a French M2 gas mask in a rectangular canister. He is armed with an 8mm Berthier rifle.
Basic Russian Uniform Items:
M1909 peaked cap 'furashka'
(Romanov EM cockade, or none at all. Chinstraps for NCO's only)
Shoulderboards 'pogoni'
(drab green with optional white piping)
M1908/12 Gymnasterka and Sharovari
(no pockets or piping - no Soviet era tunics or trousers permitted)
Ruhmeen - Belt with simple single prong buckle
(Plate buckles with embossed Romanov eagle not permitted)
Sapogi boots
(Soviet era jackboots OK)
M1912 Greatcoat 'shinel'
(Soviet era coat is OK, with wood buttons. Collar tabs & shoulder straps must be removed.)
How to roll the greatcoat (shinel)
1. Unbutton the belt and spread the coat out so that it is flat, folding in the sides, bottom and shoulders to make a rectangle.
2. Begin by folding the coat in beginning with the sleeves.
3-4. Complete rolling.
5. Fold the roll in half and secure the ends together with a small belt.
Unter-Ofitzers and above may wear the NCO cockade.
Optional Russian Uniform Items:
- Puttees worn with ankle boots (if sapogi are unavailable)
- M1910 Papaha (cold weather hat with EM cockade)
- Bashlyk (winter hood)
- Portyanki (footwraps - cotton for summer, flannel for winter)
- Beluha (underwear)