Lithuanian,Latvian and Estonian War of Independence uniforms 1917-21

Just wondering if in the chaotic 1917-21 era any uniforms , collar patches ,rank insignia were worn or any regulations issued even if they couldn't be implemented? Or was it a case of wearing anything including "militarised" civilian clothing? Paul.

They did indeed have rank insignia. Osprey's Russian Civil War (2) White Armies includes some illustrations but they are incomplete ex. they will show the insignia of a Sergeant, a Captain, a Lt. Colonel and a General and nothing else. I could scan them if you wish.

According to Knotel's Uniforms Of The World, they began wearing modified Russian or German items or uniforms made of Russian or German cloth with the addition of new insignia. The Estonians early on adopted a Finnish influence as a Finnish unit supported them against the Bolsheviks, although they wore khaki from the beginning, while the Latvians began wearing field gray, later switching to khaki. Britain apparently also supplied surplus uniforms, as the Estonians went for a British look after the Independence War.

Chris,Animal, thaks for replying i have seen both books mentioned ,just wondering if anyone had discovered any new info. Paul.

Animal wrote:According to Knotel's Uniforms Of The World, they began wearing modified Russian or German items or uniforms made of Russian or German cloth with the addition of new insignia. The Estonians early on adopted a Finnish influence as a Finnish unit supported them against the Bolsheviks, although they wore khaki from the beginning, while the Latvians began wearing field gray, later switching to khaki. Britain apparently also supplied surplus uniforms, as the Estonians went for a British look after the Independence War.

I should also add that the Estonians used the British dishpan helmet for a time in the 1920's, and that there are photos of Latvian troops wearing British 1908 webbing belts and pouches. Further, the Latvians were using the Enfield P 13 rifle as an official weapon up until their "invitation" to join the USSR in 1940.