Modelling Makhno's Black army

[Red Orc]

Ah, the old "Makhno didn't speak Ukrainian" gambit. I'm not getting at you Red Orc, only the source of this particular argument.

Makhno grew up in the Ukraine, of a not particularly wealthy (and certainly not Russian) family. He spoke the local dialect of Ukrainian. Problem is that "official" Ukrainian, was decided by intellectuals in Kiev mostly...

That seems reasonable enough. Most countries have pretty wide differences in regional dialect and before the introduction of universal education and a standardised writing system that would be even more pronounced (pun intended).

Maybe a black flag with a slogan like 'Liberty or Death' in very badly spelled Ukrainian would be better.

[Mark Plant]

Maybe a black flag with a slogan like 'Liberty or Death' in very badly spelled Ukrainian would be better.

He did have a few hinterlectuals with him. I'm sure they would have spelled things correctly.

My main problem with reproducing that original flag for a wargames unit is that it isn't a flag. It's a parade banner, and quite unsuitable for a unit to fly. It's obviously meant to hang vertically and is way too big.

Page 87 of the Osprey Essential History has the Red's view of the Makhnovists. I notice that they seem to think large amounts of khaki are appropriate. The picture on page 88 is pretty cool too.

[former user]

hmmm
apart from civilain clothes, what else than Khaki?
The Ukrainian Army had this frenchy blue, so being different might have been an issue.

Wasn't there a report about the brass dressing quite fancy and colourful?
Maybe some conversion of "Hussar - style with fur hat" miniatures could be useful?

[Siaba]

There is a picture of anarchist leaders at 00:20 in the video I posted 

Here is a picture of leaders I have found:
 

and this one....perhaps from a movie ?


This one is very interesting as it shows anarchists and reds when Malkhno's army was part of the red army. Difficult to distinguish anarchist from reds, isn't it ? 



Any hints about black army organisation ?
I read about a "black sotnia" or "hell sotnia" and the picture showing two soldiers with a black flag (page 1 of this topic) is legended "soldiers from the second regiment".....

[Mark Plant]

Any hints about black army organisation ?

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=12626.30

[The Worker]

I have a copy of a book about the Mahknovists written by Mahkno's ADC, but unfortunately (and uselessly) it's in my parents' loft!! Arrgh!

I do know that it goes into quite considerable detail about the Black Army so if I get the chance I'll dig it up and see what I can find - it should be of use.

[Siaba]

Thank you for your help! 
Here is another video I found. Lot of pictures of Makhno's army.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CZqOhz5JtdU&hl=fr_FR&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always></object>

[Bako]

Loose cut cut blouses were popular items of peasant dress

That's because they're comfy and easy to make. I shit you not, as I am wearing a black one right now. Coincidentally, I might add.

Nice to see this topic showing up again.