North Russia, Siberian Expeditionary Force, 1918-1919

The American Expeditionary Force (A.E.F.) sent troops into North Russia and Siberia just before hostilities ended in World War One. There were two distinct campaigns in based in Vladivostok and Archanglesk Russia. Although the purpose of the expeditionary force is somewhat clouded in mystery there are details that are surprising to many who have any interest in World War One.

What will be presented here is a basic overview of the background of the A.E.F. forces involved. The uniforms, headgear and other artifacts in this page are all original pieces from that campaign.

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North Russia Applied Variant

North Russia "Walking Polar Bear"

The distinctive shoulder sleeve insignia of the American Expeditionary Force serving in North Russia and Siberia can be found in several variants. Check the uniform posts for a few different styles. All coats pictured in the section are U.S. issued coats.

Siberia "Standing Polar Bear"

American Expeditionary Force, Siberia

M1910 North Russia Issued Coat

A heavy wool M1910 coat issued to the soldiers serving in North Russia.

M1910 North Russia Issued Coat

Note here the Applied construction of the "NR" shoulder sleeve insignia

M1910 North Russia Issued Coat

The red Discharge strip and bullion Service Stripes are clearly seen on this uniform.

M1910 North Russia Issued Coat

An M1910 coat issued to and Engineer serving in North Russia. The 310th Engineers served in that theater.

M1910 North Russia Issued Coat

A variant of the "NR" patch in an embroidered construction.

M1910 North Russia Issued Coat

The red Discharge strip and bullion Service Stripes are clearly seen on this uniform.

M1910 North Russia Issued Coat

A clean M1910 coat worn by a member of the Infantry, though not identified to which Regiment.

M1910 North Russia Issued Coat

The red Discharge strip and bullion Service Stripes are clearly seen on this uniform.

M1910 North Russia Issued Coat

A simple Applied "Walking Polar" Bear shoulder Sleeve Insignia.

British made Coat issued to American Forces in North Russia

A heavy coarse textured wool coat made by the British following the design of the M1910 U.S. Coat

British made Coat issued to American Forces in North Russia

Incredibly rare silk printed "Walking Polar" bear on silk. This insignia was produced at the printing shop where the Newspaper American Sentinel was published. There are very few of these that survived, dur to light ink printing and material they are printed on.

British made Coat issued to American Forces in North Russia

The red Discharge strip and bullion Service Stripes are clearly seen on this uniform.

A.E.F. in Siberia Coat

One of the units assigned to Siberia was the 27th Infantry Regiment. They were stationed, for the most part in Vladivostok Siberia.

A.E.F. in Siberia Coat

The unique applied construction of the Siberia/A.E.F. shoulder sleeve insignia is featured here. Also note the 27th Infantry, Company B enlisted collar disc.

A.E.F. in Siberia Coat

The red Discharge strip and bullion Service Stripes are clearly seen on this uniform.

A.E.F. in Siberia Coat

Another unit assigned to Siberia was the 31st Infantry Regiment. Just as the 27th Infantry Regiment they were based out of Vladivostok Siberia

A.E.F. in Siberia Coat

The shoulder sleeve insignia on this coat is a embroidered variant of the S/AEF. This soldier was a member of company A 31st Infantry Regiment.

A.E.F. in Siberia Coat

The red Discharge strip and bullion Service Stripes are clearly seen on this uniform.

A.E.F. in Siberia Coat

An example of one of the units assigned to Siberia, the 27th Infantry Regiment. They were stationed, for the most part in Vladivostok Siberia.

A.E.F. in Siberia Coat

What is commonly referred to as the "Standing Polar Bear" Shoulder Sleeve Insignia is possibly one on of he most interesting designs of this campaign. This Sergeant was a member of Company M 27th Infantry Regiment

A.E.F. in Siberia Coat

The Bullion Service Stripes are clearly seen on this uniform.

Headgear of the North Russia, Siberian Expeditionary Force

Muskrat Fur Winter Cap

Very rare Muskrat Fur hat worn in the cold climate of North Russia and Siberia, by American Expeditionary Forces Stationed there.

Muskrat Fur Winter Cap

Muskrat Fur ear protection.

Muskrat Fur Winter Cap

Wool lining of the Fur Cap

Muskrat Fur Mittens

These mittens are made of the same Muskrat fur as the cap.

Muskrat Fur Mittens

The mitten have a leathers palm and wool lining, with corduroy inner cuff.

American Helmet worn in Siberia

American Doughboy's helmet worn by a soldier stationed in Siberia. ex. Scott Kraska collection

American Helmet worn in Siberia

Close up of the "Standing Polar Bear" hand painted insignia. ex. Scott Kraska collection

339th Infantry, "Walking Polar Bear" Russia, Camouflage Helmet

A very unique hand painted helmet from a soldier who served with the 339th Infantry in Russia. This style of helmet is featured in "Quartered in Hell", Dennis Gordon, Hayes Otoupalik. It is one of three known to exist. ex. Hayes Otoupalik Collection

339th Infantry, "Walking Polar Bear" Russia, Camouflage Helmet

The camouflage hand painted design is rarely seen on A.E.F. helmets attributed to the North Russia Expeditionary Force. This helmet was purchased directly from one of the co-authors of Quartered in Hell. ex. Hayes Otoupalik Collection

339th Infantry, "Walking Polar Bear" Russia, Camouflage Helmet

Although helmet shows considerable wear, this is a clear indication of its use in the North Russia theater. This style of helmet is featured in "Quartered in Hell", Dennis Gordon, Hayes Otoupalik. It is one of three known to exist. ex. Hayes Otoupalik Collection

A Winter Camouflaged "Russia" U.S. Helmet

This is an example of the style of Winter camouflage utilized by U.S. A.E.F. troops stationed in North Russia.

A Winter Camouflaged "Russia" U.S. Helmet

This is an example of the style of Winter camouflage utilized by U.S. A.E.F. troops stationed in North Russia.

A Winter Camouflaged "Russia" U.S. Helmet

The White painted helmet was a common "snow camouflage" used in North Russia. This style of painting is also seen with black letters though is also seen with blue letters. I have no verifiable documentation to indicate this was an actual North Russia issued piece.

Newspapers from North Russia and Siberia, American Expeditionary Force

While stationed n North Russia and Siberia local print shops published English language newspapers for the troops stationed there. In Vladivostok Siberia "Here and There with the 31st and "The American Sentinel" printed in Archangel Russia were popular among the troops. An unusual Newspaper was "The Echo" printed in Vladivostok, Siberia that combined Russian and English in One publication.

The Echo, May 28, 1919, Vladivostok, Siberia