Budenovka is still considered one of the main symbols of the Red Army and the Red Army in general, in particular during the Civil War. It is her that we saw in many films shot in the Soviet Union, we observe in old photographs and illustrations for works of art. In general, this headdress did not appear immediately in the Civil War, only in its second half. And not all the Red Army men had it, as one might expect.
Interesting facts from the history of Budenovka
If we consider this headdress from the historical point of view, then it was in the army for a relatively short time, although it eventually became one of the main distinguishing characteristics.
1. First fact
If you believe the official version, then Budenovka appeared in 1918, as a result of the then competition for a new format of military uniforms. The participants of the competition were artists, among whom were B. M. Kustodiev, V. M. Vasnetsov, M. D. Ezuchevsky and not only. As it is already clear, Budenovka won, which was approved at the official level in 1918 in December. The civil war in Russia was already in full swing.
2. Second fact
There is another version of the appearance of budenovka. According to her, the headdress was developed during the reign of the tsar. But as is often the case, something went wrong. So Budenovka lay in the warehouses until the Bolsheviks got to them. Perhaps it was, but there is no documentary confirmation of this theory.
3. Third fact
Most people know this headdress under the name "budenovka", in fact, there are others: "bogatyrka", "frunzenka". And there is also an official version of the name, very prosaic - a cloth helmet.
4. Fourth fact
On January 16, 1919, an order was issued by the RVSR, which gives an accurate description of the "budenovka". According to this order, a headdress is introduced into absolutely all ground forces. The stars sewn on it had to differ in color depending on what kind of troops. The corresponding order was issued in the same year, but in April.
- Border Troops - green.
5. Fifth fact
Initially, there were both winter budenovka and summer ones. The latter existed few. In 1922 they were introduced by order, and in 1924 they were changed to caps.
6. Sixth fact
The existence of winter caps was longer - until the Soviet-Finnish war, which lasted from 1939 to 1940, after that the cloth helmet was canceled due to its inefficiency at low temperatures (it did not save from severe frosts). We replaced the budenovka hats with earflaps. Although, in military schools, units that were in the rear, and then in partisan detachments, the headdress continued to be actively worn until 1943, or even 1944.
7. Seventh fact
After the end of the "military career" Budenovka moved to "civilian life". In addition to being considered an excellent souvenir even now, it was depicted on campaign posters for many years. Some of them can be seen in old magazines or on the internet.
It will be no less interesting and useful to find out why the tsarist generals and officers joined the ranks of the Red Army.