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UPA supply officer (boonchuzhnyi) load out
According to available photo evidence majority of Ukrainian insurgents utilized a two cross-strap load bearing system, in this case using a M1932 soviet officer belt straps. The straps would be crossed in the front and back for better support and fit in unpredictable forest combat conditions. That manner of strap wear as well as positioning of the pistol on the left were used as quick visual identifiers that would aid in prevention of a friendly fire. Considering that Ukrainian insurgents wore a large amount of enemy uniforms, due to their tactics for one reason, but also because of inability to produce their own, identifying a friend from foe was an important issue.
Grenades were extensively used both as a tool in combat but also as means of not being caught alive. Ukrainian insurgents were well aware of nkvd/mgb's methods and abilities in procuring information, hence they would save the last grenade/bullet for a situation where death could prevent capture. Grenades were carried in small leather pouches as well as just hanged on the belt. In case of the F1 grenade the earlier version with the Koveshnikov fuse is more suitable for on the belt carry.
UPA supply officer (boonchuzhnyi) load out
According to available photo evidence majority of Ukrainian insurgents utilized a two cross-strap load bearing system, in this case using a M1932 soviet officer belt straps. The straps would be crossed in the front and back for better support and fit in unpredictable forest combat conditions. That manner of strap wear as well as positioning of the pistol on the left were used as quick visual identifiers that would aid in prevention of a friendly fire. Considering that Ukrainian insurgents wore a large amount of enemy uniforms, due to their tactics for one reason, but also because of inability to produce their own, identifying a friend from foe was an important issue.
Grenades were extensively used both as a tool in combat but also as means of not being caught alive. Ukrainian insurgents were well aware of nkvd/mgb's methods and abilities in procuring information, hence they would save the last grenade/bullet for a situation where death could prevent capture. Grenades were carried in small leather pouches as well as just hanged on the belt. In case of the F1 grenade the earlier version with the Koveshnikov fuse is more suitable for on the belt carry.