Of all the various foreign groups serving under Germany during World War II, the Cossack forces were arguably by far some of the most diverse and unique in terms of their uniforms, equipment, and standards.  I think that Peter Schuster and Harald Tiede put it best in their book covering Uniforms of the Cossacks in the Wehrmacht when they state, "Often no clear lines were apparent in the uniforms worn by the Cossacks.  Whatever was available was used.  Items of captured uniforms, traditional uniforms, and shoulder straps from the former czarist army combined to give the Cossacks a unique and unpredictable appearance.  Even when an attempt at standardization was made within a regiment, it rarely succeeded beyond the troop level" (Schuster 29).  New recruits will be provided further detail with regards to required kit, time frames, standards and approved vendors.  Therefore, the purpose of this section is to provide a basic overview of what items make up a kit for a standard Kosak.  While exceptions can be made for designated special events that are early or very late war themed, our goal is to portray Cossacks of the 360th Kosaken Grenadier Regiment during the mid to late war period.  The preferred uniform and equipment standards are below and generally reflect German Wehrmacht Standards:

 

Tunic:  German M40 or M41 tunic preferred. M36 tunics may be appropriate, but only with prior unit Commander's consent.  In addition to German tunics, certain Russian tunics are also acceptable for early to mid war events, but their use is only acceptable with prior consent from the unit Commander.  It should also be noted that the proper insignia for tunics is covered in the Special Uniforms section below.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trousers:  M40 or M43 trousers preferred.  In addition to standard field grey trousers, for certain events, striped trousers of the Kuban or Don Cossacks are worn.  New recruits must consult with unit Commander prior to purchasing these specialized trousers, as we have specific requirements and sources.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boots:  Both German low boots with gaiters and German Jackboots will be acceptable.  Leather soled with hobnails preferred!  In certain circumstances, winter boots, Russian boots, and riding boots will be allowed, but only with the unit Commander's consent.  No post war East German Jackboots allowed!  

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Helmet:  Strictly German M35 or M40 helmets will be allowed.  Helmet must be a restored original shell, quality reproduction or proper post war Finnish convert.  M42 helmets may be worn for certain late war events, but may only be acquired after the purchase of an approved M35 or M40.  Primary helmet shall be without decals and painted in an approved unit grey green color.  We have a source for this, so contact us first.  Repaints are easy, but must be done correctly.  Additionally, certain camouflage paint schemes are acceptable for some events.  That being said, camouflaged helmets are not encouraged and must meet unit commander approval.  Any unit member that desires to carry a camouflaged helmet must first have acquired a full uniform and kit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hats:  Both German overseas and M43 caps are allowed.  As this is a primarily Kuban and Don Cossack unit, we also have the honor of wearing the traditional Kubanka wool hat.  A Kubanka is an important part of our basic kit and often defines us in the field.  New members will be briefed on where these can be obtained.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Field Shirts:  Standard German Field Shirts are preferred. Certain other civilian model/styled collared shirts and undershirts are allowed. Check with the Commander before purchasing.  No modern t shirts allowed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Field Gear/Equipment: 

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Belt: Standard Wehrmacht leather belt and buckle.  Quality reproduction preferred!  No tropical style web belts.

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Pouches: Usually depending on weapon, but standard Kar98 pouches are REQUIRED for all unit members.  Where appropriate, other ammo pouches may be worn, but must obtain approval from the unit Commander.

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Bread bag: Standard German M31 style bread bag.  Quality reproduction or original.  No Post war police green, blue or other incorrect bread bags allowed!

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Y straps: Standard early or mid-war reproductions are preferred.  Light weight y straps are only to be worn by NCO's or approved personnel.  No Tropical, Austrian padded or post-war police y straps allowed!

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Canteen/Mess Tin:  Original or reproductions of the standard Wehrmacht .7L canteen as well as mess tin will be allowed.  Post war mess tins are allowed as long as they are the correct style.  No tall Bundeswehr, East German, tropical or other incorrect mess tins or canteens allowed!

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Zeltbahn/Tent:  All recruits must have minimally one Zeltbahn shelter quarter in Splinter camouflage.  Reproduction Wehrmacht Zeltbahns are preferred, but originals and certain other post war Zelts will be considered with approval of unit Commander.  It is also recommended that established unit members purchase their own four piece Zeltbahn tent if possible.  This aids in making our campsite stand out and provides a private area for the owner to overnight or store their belongings.

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Rucksack:  Reproduction, properly converted post war or original German rucksacks are all acceptable with approval from unit Commander.  Rucksacks are very handy and a required part of a full kit.  Tornisters are allowed for certain events, but not encouraged.   A frames not allowed!  

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Gas Mask: Standard reproduction, post war, or original German gas mask canister.  No Spanish cans will be allowed!  War time German gas mask is optional, but recommended for display purposes.

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Bayonet: Original or reproduction Kar98 bayonet with leather frog (mounted or dismounted style).  Early to mid war style frog preferred.  No late war variants unless the event calls for it. 

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Blanket: Reproduction, original or correct post-war German style blanket with leather straps highly recommended. 

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Shovel/Spade: Quality reproduction, original or correct Swiss/Post war straight shovel with leather cover.

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Other Items/Pocket Trash:  Ok, you have the basics, so now what?  Accessorize!  Fill those breadbags, pouches, rucksacks and tunics with period correct small items.  Soldiers don't walk around with empty field gear and pouches!  We represent soldiers in the field, and there is always something to add to an impression.  For items that you are unsure about, please seek unit Commander approval.  Below is just an example of the variety of items that can make up a kit:

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Camouflage:  In order to wear any form of camouflage, a unit member must first own an entire wool German uniform, full kit and approved Cossack trousers.  Only at that point and obviously after the unit Commander's consent is camouflage acceptable.  Camouflage must be used in moderation and only where approved/acceptable.  Acceptable patterns are German Splinter, Sumpftarn or approved captured variants.  SS pattern camouflage is strictly forbidden!  While the unit Commanders will determine on an event by event basis, camouflage is generally limited to one article of clothing (unless otherwise specified).  As always, the most recommended form of camouflage is the standard Zeltbahn shelter quarter.

   

Winter Gear:  Standard German winter gear is acceptable.  Mouse grey (preferred) or approved Splinter camouflage parkas and over pants are acceptable.  Sumpftarn winter garments are not recommended and only may be obtained once standard Mouse Grey set is acquired!  For certain events, snow camouflage will also be allowed. M40 or M42 Greatcoats are also acceptable.  M36 greatcoats are acceptable only when appropriate for the impression or worn by officers.  Approved period correct German gloves, scarves and toques are allowed and encouraged!  

 

Insignia and Special Uniforms:  Given the unique nature of our impression, we have specific approved sources for our insignia.  Some items are in fact custom made.  As such, all unit members are to communicate with the unit commander before purchasing any insignia.  Outside of standard German uniforms, exceptions will also be made for members wishing to purchase and wear items of traditional Cossack dress.  This is HIGHLY encouraged, as it adds immensely to our overall impression!  As reenactors portraying Cossacks, we encourage all of you to embrace the culture.  Many Cossack soldiers and especially NCOs and Officers chose to wear the traditional Cossack uniform.  This could be used both during combat and dress occasions.  The uniform consists of the previously mentioned Kubanka hat, the long overcoat or Cherkesska, Cossack dress shirt, and pojas or belt.  This uniform could be worn with either jackboots or riding boots.  In addition to these items, it is also acceptable for both the kindjal dagger and shashka sword to be worn with this uniform.  Traditional czarist or German insignia are appropriate for this uniform.  It cannot be stressed enough, that members considering obtaining these traditional items speak with the unit commander before purchasing anything, as accuracy is key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Weapons:  Within our ranks, the most basic and important member is the rifleman.  This can't be stressed enough!   As such, all members should in effect be prepared to take on this role with pride.  Following photographic evidence, a vast number of the members of the 360. Kosaken Grenadier Regiment were trained on and issued with the standard German Mauser Kar98 rifle.  This bolt action rifle is a reliable and effective weapon when used properly.  This is the PREFERRED weapon for all unit members!  That being said, certain accommodations can be made for the use of captured bolt action rifles as well, but only with unit commander approval. In addition to bolt action rifles, there is evidence that Soviet PPSH41 sub machine guns were fairly widely issued as well.  In order to carry a full auto blank firing PPSH41, members must obtain the rank of Urednik, and currently own/maintain a Kar98 rifle.  For personnel with the rank of Starshi Urednik and above, the use of full auto blank firing German Mp40 sub machine guns is also allowed with unit commander approval.  Our preference is to avoid the use of any semi automatic sub machine guns.  PPS43's are not accurate to our impression and will not be allowed.  As with anything, all blank fire only guns (BFONGS) must meet unit commander's approval.  German, Soviet, French, and a variety of other light and heavy machine guns are also allowed, but must obviously first meet unit commander's approval.  Other heavy weapons, such as mortars, anti tank weapons, artillery, etc. may be appropriate for our impression as well.  When in doubt, ask the unit commander first!   

Another important note is on the use of pistols.  Photographic evidence shows that it was common for Cossack troops to be personally equipped with Soviet issue revolvers and pistols and that they were not only seen as a practical weapon for cavalrymen, but also as a status symbol.  Approver Soviet issue pistols are acceptable for enlisted men and officers as well.  The only difference being that officers were allowed to wear their pistols on their belts, while enlisted men were not and generally kept theirs stowed away for the chance encounter they may need it.  In addition to this use of pistols, it must also be noted that while performing field police duty (i.e. event security), that the use of pistols will also be authorized as it was common for this to be done.  Only in that circumstance will enlisted men be allowed to carry Soviet or German issue pistols on their belts.      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shashka Sword: One of the most important and iconic pieces of the basic kit of a Cossack in our unit is the traditional shashka sword.  These bladed weapons came in a variety of styles and could vary from being a basic issued model all the way up to a family heirloom passed down through generations.  The shashka could be carried by enlisted men and officers alike, depending on the circumstances.  The shashka should not be taken lightly, as it was not just a piece of decorative dress, but rather a deadly weapon with a powerful reputation.  As such, it is required that all unit members obtain a quality shashka that is approved by the unit commander.  Orders will be given when shashkas are to be worn.  

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Vehicles:  A wide variety of vehicles are acceptable for this unit.  Scout cars, armored halftracks, trucks, cars, and other vehicles would have been used by the 360th Cossack Grenadier Regiment.  As always, before vehicles are to be used, they must be authorized by the unit commander.  In addition to vehicles, horses are also acceptable as Cossacks were known to be spectacular cavalrymen.  Likely the most common form of transportation for this unit will be bicycle.  Approved civilian or military period bicycles will be acceptable and are encouraged as this became a primary form of transportation as the war went on.

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