Hello, for about a couple months ive been doing lots of research trying to find what the Russian Imperial guard during WW1 wore in combat. Did these guard regiments wear the same uniforms as the regular army? If so what insignias did they have and were they different? Ive seen pictures of the guards during WW1 but none of them are in combat and they are all in their dress uniforms. So basicly my question all summed up is, what did the Imperial Russian guards wear in combat. Thank you!
The Khaki Service Uniform
The Imperial Russian Army had introduced a khaki coloured service uniform in 1907 after the previous white coloured uniform was found to be too conspicuous in action during the Russo-Japanese war.
This uniform consisted of
⦁ The peaked cap (furashka) with the national cockade on the front
⦁ For officers, a tunic (kitel) with shoulder-boards (pogoni) to denote rank
⦁ For other ranks, the gymnastiorka, a smock like pull-over shirt with shoulder straps to show rank and regiment
⦁ Breeches, coloured by branch for officers, and long marching boots
⦁ A double breasted greatcoat (shinel)
Guard regiments wore the same uniform, but with certain distinctions.
Guard Organisation in 1914
The guard infantry was organised into 4 divisions of 4 regiments each in 1914.
⦁ 1st Divsion - Divsional colour White
⦁ 2nd Division - Red
⦁ 3rd Division - Yellow
⦁ Guards Rifle (Strelkovaya) Division
Guards Uniform Distinctions
All ranks of the guards wore lace or piping around their cuffs in the divisional colour. This is visible here in Galicia in 1916 on the two centre officers and officer on the right, all from the guard Jager regiment.
Guards officers would also have the pockets of their tunics piped in the regimental colour, visible here on a Guard Jager tunic. Similarly, other ranks would have lace in regimental colour down the front opening of their gymastiorka, an example from the Semenovskii regiment from 1915 can be seen here.
In addition there would also be individual regimental distinctions that would identify the guards, from the monograms on the shoulder boards or the aiguilettes worn by the Life Grenadier regiment, visible here. The guard also carried an older pattern knapsack instead of a canvas kitbag to carry their personal equipment.
