Soldiers from the 1st Czechoslovak Corps before going on a combat mission in the area of the Zhizdra River, Russia, September 1944.

Soldiers from the 1st Czechoslovak Corps before going on a combat mission in the area of the Zhizdra River, Russia, September 1944.

Most of the soldiers sport smocks consisting variants of the famous Russian “amoeba” camouflage pattern, which was introduced into service during the Second World War. 

A couple also seem to be wearing an early take on the “ghillie” suit as well, with dark green smocks adorned with tassels of “scrim.” 

Note the lack of equipment these soldiers are carrying, they have removed any items that would make any sort of noise or reflect the sun’s light during the missions across enemy lines. 

They only carry with them the essentials, a weapon (in this case the PPSH-41) and a belt with ammo. As the war on the Eastern Front progressed and the frontline moved westwards, the Red Army could no longer rely on Partisan and OSBOM NKVD units for reconnaissance and intel. 

Thus from about 1943 onwards, every Soviet infantry regiment was fitted with a squad of men specially trained in the art of reconnaissance. Their mission was to go into enemy lines and gather as much intelligence as people on location of units, defenses, armament, etc. 

Their job was not without risk of course and casualties were high however their service was invaluable to Red Army efforts on the Eastern Front - especially in the latter stages of the war.