Colour Photo of a Greatcoat

[vikingraider1]

Recently I picked up a big consignment of Soviet era military photos and among them was this one. It is original colour (not one that the negatives have beenpainted) but it is somewhat strange. The wearer is obviously a tank man but according to the shoulder boards he is an NCO. His greatcoat is double breasted which I think is not correct for NCOs, they would have worn the single breasted coats. Anyway, here is a copy of the photo. Any thoughts?

[vikingraider1]

and the reverse, if anyone could translate it that might help.

[Chris]

Remembering long and happy times with my sister... your brother Peter.
Hungary 10 .11 46

[yolkin]

For long-time happy memories to my sister Lyuba from her prother Petr Novikov. Hungary. 10.11.46

[Chris]

well at least I managed to stimulate an exact answer for the guy.

Regards Chris

[kabanchik]

I know that in later years career NCO's were given the privilege of wearing officer-quality uniforms (this is well documented in the 1988 regs book). Conscript soldiers were allowed to wear ONLY the soldier's uniform, of cheaper quality. Perhaps this was always the case with the Red Army in earlier Soviet times, as well. Any thoughts??

[otlichnik]

More likely just wartime supply realities. It is clear that M43 enlisted gymnastiroka pull-overs are not supposed to have pockets while officer's ones are. However, about 15% of wartime era photos will show enlisted personnel with gymnastirokas with pockets. Same is probably true with other stuff. Also, if I recall correctly the pre-1943 enlisted greatcoats were double-breasted. Many wartime ones were made from altered pre-43 ones.

Shawn