8257 WWI Russian Artillery Crew
Dated: July 19, 2010, updated Jan 5, 2011
Russia entered the First World War with a large artillery arm that had been substantially reformed after the disappointing performance of its forces in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. New equipment, improved training and changes in organization helped make Russian field artillery a formidable part of the Imperial Army, although wartime shortages of guns and ammunition repeatedly limited its effectiveness.
Box
The principal light field piece was the 76.2mm Model 1902 gun, commonly associated with the Putilov Works in St. Petersburg. This quick-firing weapon equipped both foot and horse artillery and became the workhorse of Russian field artillery during the war. It could fire shrapnel against troops in the open and high-explosive shells against fieldworks, buildings and other defended positions. The gun served on every major Russian front and remained in widespread use during the Russian Civil War and later conflicts.
Line drawings
Russian artillerymen wore much the same practical khaki field uniform as the infantry. This consisted of the loose gymnastiorka shirt-tunic, trousers tucked into knee-high boots and a peaked cloth cap. Gun crews normally removed most personal equipment while working their weapons, allowing them to handle shells, operate the breech and sights, and move quickly around the gun. Officers often dressed similarly to their men in the field, although they could be identified by their shoulder boards, sidearms and binoculars.
Test shot
A field gun depended upon an entire team rather than a single gunner. Crewmen brought ammunition forward, prepared shells and fuzes, loaded and fired the gun, observed the target and adjusted the aim. Others handled the limber and ammunition caisson or helped move the weapon into and out of position. The speed and coordination of the crew determined how effectively the gun could support advancing infantry, break up enemy attacks or conduct counter-battery fire.
This set contains 32 figures in eight poses. The crew includes men carrying and handling shells, working around the gun, an officer directing the action with binoculars, and two seated figures suitable for an ammunition caisson or limber. Ammunition boxes, shell cases and loose rounds are also included, helping to create a complete artillery position.
The figures are designed to accompany our 76mm Putilov M1902 Gun and can be combined with our WWI Russian Infantry, Infantry Heavy Weapons, Cavalry and Cossacks. Together, these sets can represent Russian forces in East Prussia and Galicia in 1914, during the Great Retreat of 1915 and the Brusilov Offensive of 1916. They are also suitable for the Russian Revolution and Civil War, when the same guns, crews and uniforms appeared in the armies of the Reds, Whites and other competing forces.
8080 WWI Russian Infantry Heavy Weapons
8173 WWI 76mm Putilov M1902 Gun