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Schiffer Publishing |
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Uniforms and Insignia of the Cossacks in the German Wehrmacht in World War II by Peter Schuster and Harald Tiede |
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Reviewed By Jack Kennedy, #12511 |
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This is a fantastic book by Peter Schuster &
Harald Tiede. It was originally written in German and translated from the
German by David Johnson. Having painted several Russian Cossacks over the years, I found this book to be an answer to my prayers. It contains everything anyone would ever want to know about the uniforms and insignias of the Cossacks that were in the service of the German Wehrmacht during WWII. The book begins with the story of the Cossacks in the Imperial Russian Army. It outlines all the Russian Regiments and Divisions of that time period with wonderful photo and color prints and drawings. It then continues on to cover the differences of the regiments such as those that are more familiar like the Kuban, the Don and the Terek Cossacks that served in the services of the German Wehrmacht. Not only are the uniforms detailed, but the rank badges, insignia and award ribbons as well. Color photos of the actual uniforms are included which are invaluable to anyone wishing to paint a Cossack figure. In each time period, are a huge number of photos along with photos of the enlisted men and the officers. Also shown in detail are the various headgear of the different regiments and the different belts that they wore. Every shoulder patch that existed during the war is shown in color photos of the patch and of the men wearing them. The various badges that were worn by the Cossacks are also shown and explained. The stripes on the uniform pants are shown in detail and explained. Collar patches, shoulder straps and tunics are shown in photos and color drawings. An interesting section in this book was a gallery of color paintings of various Cossack officers. In this was a color painting of the German General in charge of all the Cossacks in the German service, General Helmuth von Pannwitz. I was especially pleased to see this along with many photos of this man since I just finished painting a bust of him. Thankfully, I got the colors and decorations right before I received this book. Of note is a chapter on the emblems of the Young Cossacks and the Cossack Officer Cadets. These groups carried on the tradition of the Hitler Youth in Germany. It was a little disturbing to see the ages of these young boys who were being trained to fight a man’s war. This book was the most complete in every way. It even included photocopies of the Cossack Pay books, swords, sabers, dirks, whips and weapons. Every regimental banner is also included in color. Every detail of the Cossack is included in this book even down to the type of entertainment that they engaged in. Even the musicians corps and clergy are included in here. Overall I have found this to be one of the most complete and informative books on uniforms that I have ever had. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in The Cossacks that served with the German Wehrmacht during WW II. Even if you are just a history buff this book is a must as it covers a little know segment of those in WW II. I’m sure that this book may be found in any bookstore that carries books on military history. At $49.95 I think it is a steal and all military historians should have it on their bookshelf. (This book can be found at Schiffer Book's web site - ed.) |
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