Word List

Adjutant
The title Adjutant is assigned to senior officers, who are tied to the different staff departments as a close working colleague of the Chief of Staff.
The decoration on the aiguillette represents pencils, because an Adjutant should always be ready to take notes.

Attila
Around 1850 the hussars’ dolman is replaced by an attila. Whilst the dolman is a tail length type of jacket, the attila is a little longer. The attila is single-breasted and is closed to the left. The cords generally consist of five rows of Hungarian knots, which cross the breast between the rosettes and along the buttons. The rosettes can however be left out, just as the cords can be finished with a clover leaf ornament.
The cords, which bind the buttons on the breast, originate from a Hungarian folk costume, as does the hussars’ uniform.
At that time familiarity with sewed button holes had not reached Hungary. Clothing was fastened with lace straps and small pins, fastened in cords. On the hussars’ uniform it developed during the 18^th century and first half of the 19^th century, into such tight cording that the whole breast was covered. In the 1860s the number of cords was reduced.

Bandoleer
Strap over the shoulder where cartridge pouch or side arm is carried. If you carry both cartridge pouch and sabre bandoleer, you form the so-called cross bandoleer. In the 1850s the use of bandoleers ceases – only officers continue to use bandoleers with cartridge pouches at full dress.

Beshmet see Cherkeska

Casque
At the end of the 18^th century helmets come in to use again. The casque is a leather helmet with metal trimming. The name ‘casque’ is seldom used about metal helmets, which gradually replace the leather casque during the Napoleonic wars.
In the 1840s a leather casque is introduced all over Europe, namely the spiked helmet.

Chamberlain
At court every rank had its own uniform – the higher the rank, the more gold embroidery.
There were different uniforms for daily use, balls and ceremonial occasions.
At ceremonies the Chamberlain, as well as the Chamberlain’s jacket, had to wear long white trousers. At balls short trousers and white silk stockings were worn.
The jackets were made in St. Petersburg and were very expensive.

Cherkeska
The Cossacks’ coat-like garment is called ‘cherkeska’. In the breast pocket imitation of cartridges. They are a reminder of the times when the Cossacks were armed with muzzle-loaders. At that time every holder had place for one case, which contained enough gunpowder for one shot. When breech-loading weapons came into use, the holders were retained as a part of the costume, in which small pegs with beautifully ornamented silver knobs were carried. They complimented the Cossacks’ silver fitted weapons. For day-to-day use pegs with white knobs on one end and black knobs on the other are used.
A Cossack shirt with the name ‘beshmet’ is worn under the cherkeska. The Caucasian Cossacks wear very soft boots without heels.
The Cossacks do not use spurs.

Chevalier Guards see Guards’ Uniforms

Chin chain
Metal attachment to the strap, especially on the cuiras, helmet and shako. Its purpose is to prevent the strap being cut through.

Cockade
The cockade was originally a decorative bow on the tricorn. During the French Revolution it became a sign of patriotism and its colours became the national colours. After this the cockade became a national symbol. The colours were the Royal colours or the national colours. In Russia the cockade was the Tsar family’s black, orange and white (silver) colours.

Cocked hat or tricorn
Around 1700 it becomes fashionable to fasten the broad brim of the felt hat of the time on three sides, so that when viewed from above the hat resembled an equilateral triangle. But in the middle of the 18^th century the leading point of the triangle begins to be pulled upwards, and that tendency continues. After 1800 the hat becomes higher, but is now impractical in windy weather, so the hat begins to be worn with the left corner forward.
After 1850 the hat once again shrinks and becomes the hat, which is today worn by Generals, Admirals and officials at galas. It now also goes by the name ’bicornet’. As decoration on the bicornet there is generally a cockade, which is held in place by a double cord (staple), which is fastened over a button on the upper flap.

Cord
Cord, which attaches the headgear to the body. It prevents the headgear being lost, even when it falls off. The cord can have decorative tassels and are eventually used as parade and gala accessories.

Cossack
Russia had always been known and feared for its Cossack regiments. Cossack means a free and independent person. The Cossacks’ history goes back to the 15^th century, where they as runaway slaves lived together with other people on the outskirts of Moscowia. They lived in militarily organised free communities under an elected leader. As a result of economic and political chaos in the 16^th century, the Cossack lifestyle almost became a mass movement, and leading up to the Russian Revolution 11 Cossack armies came into existence, amongst others at Dnieper, Don and Kuban.
The Cossacks supported the peasant uprising, led the Ukraine’s breakaway from Poland and from 1654 served the Tsar.
Most of the Cossacks wore standard army uniform. Some regiments, especially the Caucasus (The Kuban Cossacks among them) wore a special uniform in the style of the national costume.
The Cossacks were skilled horsemen, and with their fast horses they were well qualified as light cavalry. They were deployed against rebellious movements and were responsible for Russia’s conquering of Siberia and the Caucasus (the area between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea) amongst other places.
As reward they were given special privileges by the Tsar e.g. special status in the army, rights to the conquered lands, self-government and administration duties in the border regions.
In 1917-20 the Cossacks fought savagely against the Bolsheviks.

Cossack bodyguard
Tsaress Dagmar’s Cossack bodyguard, Timofei Jaschik, was born in Kubanobsky in 1878. He grew up in a Cossack family and from the moment he could walk he was brought up to be a Cossack. He was chosen by Nicholas II from all of the Kuban Cossacks to be one of his Cossack bodyguards, which was a very great honour.
Jaschik became the Dowager Tsaress Dagmar’s Cossack bodyguard.
Jaschik’s Russian wife was killed during the revolution and he left four children in Russia , when he faithfully followed the Dowager Tsaress into exile.
After Dagmar’s death he remained in Denmark and married. He became a Grocer in Valby and died in 1946.

Cuirassier
Heavy cavalry. Distinguish themselves from the other cavalry regiments by wearing cuirass and helmets of iron or brass.

Czapska
Headgear with a squared crown especially used by the lancers. Developed from a Polish, national head-dress. Influenced by the shako, the czapska becomes stiffened, equipped with a peak, and the crown is covered with lacquered leather.
After 1850 under influence from the spiked helmet, the czapska gets a low-arched crown with squared entrepiece.

Epaulettes
Epaulettes are developed from a type of shoulder strap with fringes, which came into use in Europe towards the end of the 18^th century. They developed into a system marking the distinction of officers. On the epaulettes the rank is originally characterised by one or both of the epaulettes having fringes of different thickness.
In 1763 Katarina II introduced one epaulette instead of a shoulder cord, in order to identify to which regiment one belonged. In 1807 epaulettes on both shoulders were introduced for officers. On the whole this remained unchanged until 1917.

Flint-lock
The rifle’s combustion occurs with the help of a small flint, which is fixed to the cock. When the trigger is pulled, the cock’s flint is scraped along a piece of steel, creating sparks, which ignites the gunpowder.

Fouraschka
Flat field cap (forage cap) without a peak (for daily use). A forage cap was originally used in Napoleonic times for daily duties in stables and barracks instead of the tall shako.
Introduced into the Russian Army in 1882 as regulation headgear.

Fur coat see Hussar’s fur coat (pelisse)

Generaladjutant see adjutant

Grenadier head-Clothing (mithre-cap)
Special head-clothing developed from the pixie cap, which was issued to the Grenadiers (grenade throwers), because the tricorn was in the way, when the musket for grenade launching had to be hung over the shoulder. Gradually the cap developed a ‘sugartop-like’ shape with embroidery on the front. Around 1750 it became normal to produce all front plates in metal with ornaments in relief. Various other types, e.g. the bearskin cap, were also developed. This gradually became the most normal and the grenadier cap became almost redundant. Yet in 1917 the grenadier cap was still the parade head-clothing of Pavloski, the Russian Life Guard Regiment.

Gorget
A gorget is a half-moon shaped metal plate, which earlier was a characteristic of officers. It is developed from the neck collar of armour from the Middle Ages.
At the end of the 1870s gorgets began to be introduced into Germany and Russia as a regimental badge of honour. Today the gorget is used in many places as a mark of on duty officers, barrack guards etc.

Guards’ uniform
The Guards were the Ruler’s personal troops. In Russia there was a tradition, that members of the Royal Family became officers in or Commander-in-Chief of Guards’ regiments – sometimes from birth.

Originally the Guards were an army within the army, in that for each of the different arms there were Guards of the same type. e.g. There were Mounted Artillery in both the Field Army and in The Guards.

The Russian officers’uniforms have always been characterised by abundant splendour, and this particularly applies to the Guards. It was not just the uniforms that were brightly coloured, but also other parts of the equipment, such as cartridge cases of silver, bandoleers in gold or silver, gold and silver cords, tassels and embroidery, gilded or silver-plated helmets and cuirasses.

The Tsar’s Lifeguard Hussars’ Regiment had one of the most beautiful uniforms of the time. On parade after the command ‘gallop’ a row of red attilas could be seen charging toward the observer. The row had just passed when the colour would change to the white because of the hussars’ fur-coats worn on The Hussars’ shoulders. The Chevalier Guards introduced white coats in 1801. The helmet is fronted by a silver Star of the Order of St. Andrew.

Hussar
Light Cavalry, which was originally formed from Hungarian herdsmen from the easterly border regions as a safeguard against the Turks.
In the 1740s standard Hussar regiments were formed, first in Austria-Hungary and soon afterwards all over Europe, including Russia.

Hussar’s fur coat (pelisse)
The Hussar’s so-called fur coat is a fur-edged, originally fur-lined, type of jacket, which was originally used by the Hussars as winter clothing. When the pelisse is not being worn, it normally hangs over the left shoulder. In Russia however it hangs on both shoulders.
The cords, which bind the buttons on the breast, originate from a Hungarian folk costume, as does the Hussars’ uniform.
At that time familiarity with sewed button holes had not reached Hungary. Clothing was fastened with lace straps and small pins, fastened in cords. On the Hussars’ uniform it developed during the 18^th century and first half of the 19^th century, into such tight cording that the whole breast was covered. In the 1860s the number of cords was reduced.

Kartouche
The cartridge pouch is introduced at the same time as paper cartridges. To protect the cartridges from pressure and damp, the pouch is made of stiff leather and provided with a lid, which overhangs the edges of the pouches. When metal cartridges for breech-loading rifles come into use, the cartridge pouch becomes smaller and is mainly used for decoration. It is made in metal with beautiful decorations. The name ‘kartouche’ is used especially regarding cavalry and mounted officers’ cartridge pouches.

Kindjal
The kindjal is a weapon from the Caucasus. It is found as both a short sword and in dagger size as shown here.
As a rule the kindjal has an even blade, but can in time be slightly bent towards the point. The handle is made of horn or bone plates fixed to the angle. The grip can also be covered in richly decorated sheets of silver.

Kiver
The kiver is a type of chakot. Because the high chakot was impractical in battle, Russia in 1812 became the first country to design the half as high kiver. The kiver was successful and spread very quickly to other countries in Europe. It was also introduced into the Danish army shortly after the end of the Napoleonic wars. Traces of the kiver can still be seen in modern day uniform caps, amongst others in today’s Russian army.

Lancer
Light cavalry. Distinguish themselves from the other cavalry regiments by being armed with long wooden lances.

Lapels
Lapel like trimming on the breast of the uniform. Originally used to button over the breast in cold weather, but in the end used only for decoration.
Lapels were first introduced into Russia in 1760. Together with collars and cuffs the regiment wore their colours on these 3 parts of the uniform. At that time the regiment’s Commander would decide what the colours would be.
Most recently lapels were used on gala uniforms.

Lifeguards see Guards’ uniform

Marine Uniform
Peter the Great (1682-1725) had introduced dark-green uniforms for his marine officers. Over the course of time it had become customary to wear as dark a uniform as possible, which is why the Russian Marine Officer’s uniform, in spite of regulation, had become black.

Papaha
The Cossacks’ head clothing was generally a high, fur cap, called a papaha. The crown could be coloured by regiment.

Percussion Lock
During the 19^th century chemicals, which exploded into sparks when struck, were discovered. This paved the way for percussion ignition (percussion means hit, jolt). When the trigger was pulled, the cock could now hit a percussion cap, which exploded and ignited the gunpowder.

Plumage
Trimming of ostrich feather on the cocked hat. Developed from the feather decoration, that was earlier worn on the hat. Plumage gradually became a sign of distinction.

Regimental Badge
Regiments’ emblems and badges came into use in the 1850s and continued on a large scale until 1917. The regimental badges, which were characterised by much creativity and originality, were often introduced in connection with a regiment’s jubilee. These badges sought to show highlights from the regiments’ history, and in this way they visualised Russian military history.
It is supposed, that there were approximately one thousand different types, but many were melted down after the revolution and many were destroyed during the civil war 1917-21, as it became dangerous to own symbols of the Tsars’ reigns.

Sabretache
The sabretache is carried in a strap by the sword belt. It was originally an accessory to the Hungarian national costume. Letters and messages are for example carried in the sabretache. At times the sabretache is very popular and is worn by others than Hussars.

Schaschka
The schaschca is a Cossack weapon. The handle is without the protective guard. In attack – charge – the schaschca is swung with a straight arm over the head and swiped back at the enemy, once he is passed – hence the lack of a hand guard – the rider’s speed and suppleness are the protection.
In contrast to the European sabres the schaschca is carried with the edge upwards.
The world’s last cavalry charge with such weapons was carried out by Cossacks in 1944, when a cavalry of 4000 destroyed a fortified German railway junction.

Shako
Shako is a cylinder shaped head clothing. It is produced from stiff felt, generally with a crown and peak of lacquered leather. It came into use around 1800; in Russia from 1803. Around 1850 the shako becomes even lower and is often covered with cloth. The shako is decorated with drapes of plaited cord (cord), galloons, cockades, pompons, chin chains, plumes etc.

Shoulder-board
An oblong piece of material, sewn onto the uniform’s jacket. It is sewn into the hem of the sleeve on the shoulder and can be buttoned at the collar.
Originally only one shoulder-board is worn on the uniform, which is where the bandoleer is worn. Around 1800 a second shoulder-board is introduced, because the cross-bandoleer becomes customary.
Shoulder-boards gradually gain extra meaning. They can both serve as a distinguishing characteristic, or they can show rank or departmental number.
Under siege by Sevastopol during the Crimean War (1853-56) the Russian officers could not be supplied with their long coats and cloaks and they therefore had to use the rank-and-file soldiers’. The soldiers wore the ordinary shoulder-straps with departmental numbers, but in order to be recognised, the officers had their own gold or silver braids, stars, and other decorations from there epaulettes, sewn onto the shoulder-boards. These finely decorated shoulder-boards are the beginning of a system of distinction, which is gradually refined and spread to several European countries, and which replaces epaulettes in Russia after 1917.

Spiked Helmet
In the 1840s spiked helmets came into use. The spike is a pointed object on the top of the helmet. The spiked helmet is made of both leather and metal and is worn by both infantry and cavalry. In Russia the spike has a cylindrical base with a burning grenade over the base.
The spiked helmet is normally associated with the Prussian army, but was originally designed by the French painter Vernet in 1831 for the Russian Tsar, but was first introduced into the Russian army in 1846.
In Russia from 1855 the spiked helmet is only seen on the Guards.

Super-Waistcoat.
A real cuiras was rather heavy and difficult to carry to parties at the Court, so instead of the actual cuiras a so-called super-waistcoat of red cloth was introduced at gala. Such a super-waistcoat was also introduced into Denmark in 1858. A super-waistcoat is an over garment, developed from the coat, which was worn over the armour in the Middle-Ages. It is retained as uniform for ceremonial use, but shrinks with time until it becomes a cuiras-like over garment made of fabric.

The Corps of Pages
The Corps of Pages dated from the year 1711, when the Court rank of ‘Page’ came into being. In final form the Corps was a military-educational institution of a very high standard, which provided Pages for duty at the Court and which graduated officers for service in the army. A small percentage of graduates entered the diplomatic or civil services.
Except by personal appointment of the Emperor or as the son of a Major-General killed in action, admission was only by a difficult competitive examination for which only the sons or grandsons of those on the top three levels of the Table of Ranks were eligible.
The corps’ label badge was a white Maltese cross. This badge was used, since the building that the corps was granted in 1810, had housed Knights of the Order of Malta.

The Guards see Guards’ uniform

The Order of St. Andrew.
The Order of St. Andrew was Russia’s first and most distinguished order. It was formed by Peter the Great at the end of 1690s.
The Order of St Andrew’s chief characteristic is a double-headed eagle. Above the eagle a blue St. Andrew’s Cross can be seen. The Cross is equipped with a letter in each corner: SARP. The letters stand for Sanctus Andreas Russiae Patronus.
These characteristics can also be placed in the centre of a star, the so-called Star of the Order of St. Andrew.

Tunic
Name for the jacket or coat, which in 1840 begins to replace the frock coat. The frock coat as in ‘full evening dress’, goes down to the waist with long tails behind, whilst the tunic goes further down than the waist and has the same length front and behind.
The tunic can have one or two rows of buttons and has an upright collar.
The tunic is first seen in Russia during the Crimean War (1853-56).

Wingadjutant
Originally an adjutant (see adjutant) at the commanding General of one of the army’s wings. The title is bestowed upon individual Field Marshals, Army Chiefs and officers in diplomatic service. Today some countries give the title to Staff Officers, who are Adjutants for Royalty.