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Post by crazydima on Mar 19, 2009 9:29:15 GMT -5
Tovarischi, I strongly urge folks to take the time to read "The Soviet Airborne Experience" by David Glantz. It is a little over 230 pages. It is free and esy to read. Try this link: cgsc.cdmhost.com/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/p4013coll8&CISOPTR=355It will give you a good beginners education of VDV from pre war up to the 1980's. The section on WWII contains interesting facts regarding the multiple operations undertaken by the VDV. It will dispel some the re-enactorisms and myths that tend to float about the hobby. Enjoy! Sincerely, Dima (Research is worth the effort) |
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Post by crazydima on Mar 19, 2009 9:32:17 GMT -5
Tovarischi,
Litvin's book is very good. I read about a year or so ago and took lots of notes. Sadly he never made any jumps as an AT gunner with his VDV unit(1st airborne corps). Spent the war maneuvering and fighting on the ground. However, his service throughout the war is fascinating. He did a lot of things that according to certain re-enactors are impossible. LOL!
Out of the 40 some wartime photos I have of the VDV there are only two types of camouflage represented.
One pattern is the simple winter over white pattern(Zimnoi Maskirovochnyi Kostium (ZMK)).
The other is the 1937 / 38 Splotch pattern which is often referred to as the "Amoeba" pattern in the west.
Were other patterns used? Very possible but I have no research to back that up yet. Thus I would stick with the known examples which can be verified.
It appears that these would be the one piece model(maskirovochnyi kombinezon(MK)) as opposed to the two piece (maskirovochnyi kamuflirovannyi Kostium(MKK)) models due to the nature of jumping out of an aircraft.
Additionally, the VDV also use other one piece jump suits in assorted colors ranging from a Khaki to various shades of blue.
The headgear shown are simple cloth helmets very similar to the ones seen worn up into the 1980's. I am not sure at this point if the VDV forces switched to a metallic helmet upon reaching the ground or if they tried to incorporate the use of the standard combat helmet into their jumps.
Interestingly their jump kits appear to be very bare bones compared to other countries. Then again I am not sure if they also used the concept of drop containers to carry additional equipment and supplies.
Time and research will shed light on these questions. Anything else at this point is just speculation.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Dima
(One who likes all of what re-enacting and history has to offer)
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Post by crazydima on Apr 2, 2009 14:19:53 GMT -5
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Post by ashgld15 on Jul 7, 2010 16:35:41 GMT -5
It's my understanding the Soviet paras were used in an infanrty(non-parchuting!)role throughout most of the war,yes?
If so, does anyone know what battles and how well they performed as infantry?
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bef
Junior Sergeant
In Mother Russian, A Big Man has a Big Hat.
Posts: 93 
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Post by bef on Feb 20, 2011 9:22:59 GMT -5
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Post by crazydima on Mar 1, 2011 14:42:39 GMT -5
Tovarischi,
The VDV was active throughout the whole war conducting a variety of operations both large and small and utilized gliders as well as motor transports in those operations.
Those units which were transferred to the Rifles are only one part of the overall wartime history of the VDV.
Ironically many of those VDV units who were transferred to the Rifles were the units which fought with the greatest bravery at places like Stalingrad.
Unfortuantely the success rate with regards to prime objectives and large scale drops was not very good and and so landing operations became smaller in size as the war progressed. None the less landing operations did continue throughout the war.
At the end of the War during "Operation August Storm" VDV forces were dropped on multiple targets in Manchuria.
Sadly there is not a lot writtne in English about the VDV so my library contains a lot of information which is in Russian. I am slowly getting it translated.
My current focus is on the wartime VDV manuals I have obtained.
As time and energy permits I hope to start posting more VDV information.
Sincerely,
Dima
9th Airborne
VDV
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bef
Junior Sergeant
In Mother Russian, A Big Man has a Big Hat.
Posts: 93
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Post by bef on Mar 1, 2011 15:44:15 GMT -5
Tovarischi, My current focus is on the wartime VDV manuals I have obtained. As time and energy permits I hope to start posting more VDV information. Comrade crazydima, This would do much to improve Political Perception and redouble our Combat Readiness. This Command for one looks forward to your selfless dedication to the Struggle and wish to fill the production quota for declassified material to be released by your Rezidency. Urrah!. |
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rmli
Penal Battalion Conscript
Posts: 7
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Post by rmli on Jul 24, 2011 1:17:36 GMT -5
When did the term "VDV" come into common usage? And when was it first used as part of the units title? The unit that we portray is the 98th Guards Rifle Div. Would 98th Guards VDV also be correct?
Thanx
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Post by Transport on Aug 4, 2011 4:59:14 GMT -5
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rmli
Penal Battalion Conscript
Posts: 7
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Post by rmli on Jul 9, 2012 19:22:02 GMT -5
What uniform was used by the VDV from the 1970's and into the 1980's?
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