04-20-2011, 06:27 AM
RichieC Wrote:The image is very, very grainy - and distorted. As for the distortion; note how low the pocket is on the other man's gymnasterka.
I could swear that I see the outline of a pocket flap on the man's (in question) right breast, and also the top seam on his left. But of course, one's perception differs from another's in many cases.
As far as kitels and NCOs are concerned, I have not yet learned about the official regulations. I do however, own a few period images of NCOs adorned in officer type clothing and accoutrements - most of them being cadets IMO. I would be more than happy to share them with you and the other members of the forum.
I may be wrong, but after examining the actual photograph with the magnifying glass I would say there are no pockets. Also, on service "kitel" the pocket flap's upper edge is at the level of the second button's center, while here It is the ORS's center that seems to be at the same level as the button's center - which seems to reflect the regulations for award wearing on parade "mundir". But as said - may be wrong.
I have also seen photographs of NCO's in service "kitel" and officer's double-breasted overcoats, but I tought it's like in the later regulations - that extended service NCO's should wear the same uniforms as the officers. But on the other hand, during the WW2 almost every soldier's service was extended, tough not necessarily upon his own request.....
