Russian Pilotka Hat

[armchairgeneral]

The Osprey on the WW1 Russian army has a soldier illustrated wearing the pilotka hat. My internet searchings, seem to show it originated in the 1930s and hence was worn by the Russian army in WW2. I can't seem to find evidence for it being worn in WW1. Just wondered if any knows anything more?

[Westfalia Chris]

I don't have said Osprey at hand, but I seem to recall an early version of the pilotka was worn by aviators back in WW1, hence the name.

[armchairgeneral]

Actually just found this picture of WW1 Russian soldiers

[Metternich]

The Austrians, French, and Americans all had similar hats (I don't know when the Russians would have adopted it).

[cuprum]

In the photo above, the recruits of the Kolchak army in Siberia, 1919.

A Pilotka Hat in the Russian army was introduced into aviation in 1913. Therefore, it has such a name. Gradually the fashion for this headdress began to spread in the army among officers during the war. The Pilotka have spread, mainly, among the armored vehicles and bicycle units, as well as among the grenadiers (assault units). Wearing these headdresses spread to the soldiers. In 1917, the wearing of Pilotka was officially authorized in the army.

[FramFramson]

Cool! Thanks for the information!

[armchairgeneral]

Thanks Cuprum. I was hoping you would chip in to this thread