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Portrait of an Officer of the Life-Guards hussars Regiment - Nikolai Egorovich Sverchkov

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Fun fact, my great grandfather died fighting for the Whites in the Civil War.. okay, probably not that fun

From The Russian Army 1914-18

Early War Uniforms (1914-1915)

At the outbreak of the war, Russian Imperial Army uniforms were traditional and formal, inspired by 19th-century European military fashion. Key features included:

Infantry: Soldiers wore the gymnastiorka, a pullover-style tunic with a standing collar, often in olive green or khaki to blend with rural landscapes. Rank was indicated by colored collar tabs and shoulder boards.

Headgear: Soldiers wore the M1910 peaked cap, which had a leather visor and badge. Officers and guards regiments wore the iconic shapka, a tall fur hat, especially in colder climates.

Footwear: Soldiers wore sapogi (knee-high leather boots), which were sturdy but hard to maintain on the battlefield.

Cavalry and Specialized Units: The cavalry wore the traditional long blue or dark green overcoat with distinct colored cuffs and collar insignia. Cossack and other specialized units had specific, unique uniforms, often featuring traditional garments like the cherkesska (a type of coat) and decorative braid.

Mid-War Changes (1915-1916)

As the war progressed, Russia’s economy and industry struggled to keep up with demand, leading to simplifications in uniforms:

Tunic: The gymnastiorka became simpler, often without the colored collar tabs or decorative elements. Khaki shades became standard as brighter colors were deemed impractical.

Greatcoat: The heavy wool shinel (overcoat) remained a staple, especially during harsh winters, but there was a shortage of quality fabric, and lower-quality cloth began to appear.

Headgear: Caps were simplified, with many soldiers receiving the budenovka (a soft, pointed wool cap) by 1917. This cap became especially popular in winter regions but had limited protection.

Late-War Uniforms (1917-1918)

The Russian military was increasingly influenced by revolutionary sentiments, and practical, minimal designs became the norm:

Tunic and Coats: Uniforms were pared down further, with basic olive-drab tunics and greatcoats. Rank insignia were minimal and often overlooked as soldiers became more focused on function than formality.

Insignia: Some units began to remove the imperial insignia altogether due to the influence of the Bolsheviks. Instead, red armbands or patches occasionally appeared.

Boots: Soldiers frequently substituted traditional boots with puttees (long cloth wraps) due to the shortage of leather, a trend seen across European forces during this period

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From The Russian Army 1914-18

Early War Uniforms (1914-1915)

At the outbreak of the war, Russian Imperial Army uniforms were traditional and formal, inspired by 19th-century European military fashion. Key features included:

Infantry: Soldiers wore the gymnastiorka, a pullover-style tunic with a standing collar, often in olive green or khaki to blend with rural landscapes. Rank was indicated by colored collar tabs and shoulder boards.

Headgear: Soldiers wore the M1910 peaked cap, which had a leather visor and badge. Officers and guards regiments wore the iconic shapka, a tall fur hat, especially in colder climates.

Footwear: Soldiers wore sapogi (knee-high leather boots), which were sturdy but hard to maintain on the battlefield.

Cavalry and Specialized Units: The cavalry wore the traditional long blue or dark green overcoat with distinct colored cuffs and collar insignia. Cossack and other specialized units had specific, unique uniforms, often featuring traditional garments like the cherkesska (a type of coat) and decorative braid.

Mid-War Changes (1915-1916)

As the war progressed, Russia’s economy and industry struggled to keep up with demand, leading to simplifications in uniforms:

Tunic: The gymnastiorka became simpler, often without the colored collar tabs or decorative elements. Khaki shades became standard as brighter colors were deemed impractical.

Greatcoat: The heavy wool shinel (overcoat) remained a staple, especially during harsh winters, but there was a shortage of quality fabric, and lower-quality cloth began to appear.

Headgear: Caps were simplified, with many soldiers receiving the budenovka (a soft, pointed wool cap) by 1917. This cap became especially popular in winter regions but had limited protection.

Late-War Uniforms (1917-1918)

The Russian military was increasingly influenced by revolutionary sentiments, and practical, minimal designs became the norm:

Tunic and Coats: Uniforms were pared down further, with basic olive-drab tunics and greatcoats. Rank insignia were minimal and often overlooked as soldiers became more focused on function than formality.

Insignia: Some units began to remove the imperial insignia altogether due to the influence of the Bolsheviks. Instead, red armbands or patches occasionally appeared.

Boots: Soldiers frequently substituted traditional boots with puttees (long cloth wraps) due to the shortage of leather, a trend seen across European forces during this period

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Watercolors of Lazare Carnot and Prieur de la Côte d’Or I made last month for the delightful @aedesluminis 🙂‍↕️

(They were made as a gift, which explains why I had zero references for Prieur.. please do not throw me off a cliff)

The part of the faisceau de licteur was inspired by an existing Carnot stamp

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Portrait of town major field-marshal lieutenant Ludwig Reitz-Brachelli (1854-1937) (1911)

Jacques Sternfeld (Austrian, 1874-1934)

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The Canadian Army

Remembrance Day in Canada, observed on November 11, honors the men and women who served in the Canadian Armed Forces, particularly those who sacrificed their lives in war, conflict, and peacekeeping missions. This solemn day marks the armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918, and has grown to commemorate veterans of all wars, including World War II, the Korean War, and peacekeeping missions around the world.

At 11:00 a.m., Canadians observe a moment of silence to remember and reflect on the courage and sacrifices of military personnel. In many communities, ceremonies are held at cenotaphs and war memorials, where people lay wreaths and recite the poem "In Flanders Fields" by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian soldier and poet. The red poppy, inspired by this poem, is a symbol of remembrance in Canada, worn by many people leading up to November 11.

The Royal Canadian Legion, a national organization of veterans, plays a significant role in organizing Remembrance Day events and the annual poppy campaign, with funds going to support veterans and their families.

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The German Army 1914-18

The Imperial German Army from 1914 to 1918 was the military force of the German Empire during World War I, under the command of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Known for its discipline, efficiency, and advanced tactics, the army initially saw significant success on the Western Front through the Schlieffen Plan, aiming to swiftly defeat France before turning eastward to face Russia. However, the plan faltered, leading to a prolonged and brutal trench warfare stalemate. German forces were innovative, employing new technologies such as poison gas and stormtrooper tactics to break enemy lines. Yet, despite these advances, the German Army struggled with resource shortages, mounting casualties, and the relentless Allied offensives. By 1918, internal dissent, exhaustion, and the effective Allied counterattacks ultimately forced Germany into retreat, leading to its eventual surrender and the end of the war.

From The German Army 1914-18

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"Vous ne les laisserez pas passer (You shall not let them pass)!"

French General Robert Nivelle

At the start of WWI, the French army wore bright blue jackets and red trousers, a tradition that dated back to the 19th century. These vibrant colors made soldiers easy targets, and the uniforms quickly proved impractical for modern warfare. In response, by 1915, the French military introduced the "horizon blue" uniform—a more muted, gray-blue color intended to blend in with the environment. This change marked a shift towards practicality and camouflage, with additional modifications, such as steel Adrian helmets replacing cloth caps, to better protect soldiers in trench warfare. Less drip, more practicality; I tried to include a uniform from each year.

From The French Army 1914–18

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The British Army 1914-18

“If the British Army landed in Europe, I’d get the Belgian police to arrest them.”

Bismark

The British Army in World War I was a primarily volunteer force at the war's onset, numbering around 700,000 soldiers, and vastly expanded as the war progressed. In 1916, the British government introduced conscription to meet the demands of trench warfare and the high casualties on the Western Front. The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) fought alongside French, Belgian, and Commonwealth forces in brutal battles, such as the Somme and Passchendaele, where they endured devastating losses. The army faced challenges in adapting to new military technologies, like machine guns, tanks, and poison gas, which transformed the nature of combat into a grueling and static war of attrition.

From The British Army 1914-18

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Colonel’s ceremonial uniform of the Life Guard of the Cossack His Majesty Regiment (mod. 1908), belonged to Nicholas II.

From ‪@1547_1917 ‬on Twitter

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What a find!

Hello everyone !

Enjoy those uniforms references I found in a 2€ book about uniforms I got today :)

Nothing about Marshals or Generals uniforms I believe, but I know where to look at..

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The German Army 1914-18

The Imperial German Army from 1914 to 1918 was the military force of the German Empire during World War I, under the command of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Known for its discipline, efficiency, and advanced tactics, the army initially saw significant success on the Western Front through the Schlieffen Plan, aiming to swiftly defeat France before turning eastward to face Russia. However, the plan faltered, leading to a prolonged and brutal trench warfare stalemate. German forces were innovative, employing new technologies such as poison gas and stormtrooper tactics to break enemy lines. Yet, despite these advances, the German Army struggled with resource shortages, mounting casualties, and the relentless Allied offensives. By 1918, internal dissent, exhaustion, and the effective Allied counterattacks ultimately forced Germany into retreat, leading to its eventual surrender and the end of the war.

From The German Army 1914-18

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The British Army 1914-18

“If the British Army landed in Europe, I’d get the Belgian police to arrest them.”

Bismark

The British Army in World War I was a primarily volunteer force at the war's onset, numbering around 700,000 soldiers, and vastly expanded as the war progressed. In 1916, the British government introduced conscription to meet the demands of trench warfare and the high casualties on the Western Front. The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) fought alongside French, Belgian, and Commonwealth forces in brutal battles, such as the Somme and Passchendaele, where they endured devastating losses. The army faced challenges in adapting to new military technologies, like machine guns, tanks, and poison gas, which transformed the nature of combat into a grueling and static war of attrition.

From The British Army 1914-18

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The German Army 1914-18

The Imperial German Army from 1914 to 1918 was the military force of the German Empire during World War I, under the command of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Known for its discipline, efficiency, and advanced tactics, the army initially saw significant success on the Western Front through the Schlieffen Plan, aiming to swiftly defeat France before turning eastward to face Russia. However, the plan faltered, leading to a prolonged and brutal trench warfare stalemate. German forces were innovative, employing new technologies such as poison gas and stormtrooper tactics to break enemy lines. Yet, despite these advances, the German Army struggled with resource shortages, mounting casualties, and the relentless Allied offensives. By 1918, internal dissent, exhaustion, and the effective Allied counterattacks ultimately forced Germany into retreat, leading to its eventual surrender and the end of the war.

From The German Army 1914-18

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Typisch Junot

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The U.S. Cavalry on the Plains from 1850 to 1890 played a critical role in westward expansion and conflicts with Native American tribes. Following the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), the U.S. acquired vast western territories, intensifying clashes between settlers and Indigenous nations over land, resources, and cultural survival. Cavalry regiments—like the 1st, 2nd, and 7th Cavalries—were tasked with enforcing federal policies, protecting settlers, and supporting railroad construction. They also aimed to confine Native American tribes to reservations, often leading to violent confrontations.

From US Cavalry on the Plains 1850-90

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Early American CW Uniforms

"We have, as all will agree, a free Government, where every man has a right to be equal with every other man. In this great struggle, this form of Government and every form of human right is endangered if our enemies succeed."

Lincoln

The war's first major clash occurred at the First Battle of Bull Run (or Manassas) on July 21, 1861. Union forces under Brigadier General Irvin McDowell launched an offensive against the Confederate army led by Generals P.G.T. Beauregard and Joseph E. Johnston near Manassas, Virginia. What began as a hopeful march toward a quick Union victory turned chaotic; inexperienced troops on both sides struggled with logistics and command. Ultimately, Confederate reinforcements arrived, turning the tide and forcing Union troops into a frantic retreat toward Washington, D.C. The battle revealed that the war would be longer and bloodier than anticipated, foreshadowing the brutal conflict that lay ahead.

From Lincoln's 90-Day Volunteers 1861: From Fort Sumter to First Bull Run