The book by E. Driga "Stalin's tankmen. Organization of troops, service, uniform"

The best publication to date on uniforms, hats, equipment, insignia, etc. on the topic of the ABTV of the Red Army, dedicated to the anniversary of the Victory. Chronologically, it goes beyond 1941-1945. It is dedicated to the tank soldiers of the "Stalinist period" of the history of the USSR (late 1920s – mid-1950s). At the same time, this publication is directly related to the events of the Great Patriotic War, since participation in it and in the subsequent war with Japan became the finest hour of the Soviet armored forces. Tank troops took part in all significant operations of the Red Army and after the end of the war were at the zenith of military glory. Inspired by the "faith in tanks", the Stalinist leadership spared no expense for the development of this kind of troops. During the 11 years preceding the Great Patriotic War, about 30 thousand combat vehicles (tanks, armored vehicles, tankettes) were "built". On the eve of the war, the number of armored troops reached almost a million people. In the 1930s and 1940s, tankers were held in special esteem, along with pilots and sailors, they were among the informal three "leaders" of the Soviet Armed Forces. They were distinguished by their unique uniforms in cut and color. At that time, they were considered the elite among the military, and only after Stalin's death did the era of the rise of tank troops end.