Policy and overview on equipment and field gear.
The same policy on authenticity as described in the uniform section applies to equipment and field gear and is intended to provide some guidance to members obtaining the correct items for their impression. Again, the emphasis should be to initially obtain mid to late war kit.
By the mid 1930s the Red Army was the largest army in the world and was just as well equipped as any other army of the day. At the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War in June 1941, 75% of its land forces consisted of Rifle (Infantry) units.
The first year of the war was disastrous for the Red Army, which resulted in the loss of over five million men killed or captured, as well as vast amounts of weapons, equipment and materiel lost. Due to the rapid advances made by the Germans, most of the Soviet Unions industrial and manufacturing capacities in the west were over run or had to be transferred east to the Urals, so as to continue production. Therefore 1942 was an austere period for the Soviets and the quality and quantity of the soldiers equipment became quite rudimentary and basic. Also, there was an increased use of synthetic and replacement materials. Often as a consequence soldiers were infrequently issued with a full compliment of equipment and field gear. As the war progressed there was some improvement, particularly in Guards units, who generally tended to be better manned and equipped than other line Rifle units.
As seen in photographic archives of Red Army soldiers during the war, there was a vast array of appearances in both uniform and equipment. This was due to the fact that it was being manufactured in factories and workshops all across the Soviet Union and that local interpretation and materials available resulted in some variations on the same patterns of uniform and equipment being produced.
By the mid 1930s the Red Army was the largest army in the world and was just as well equipped as any other army of the day. At the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War in June 1941, 75% of its land forces consisted of Rifle (Infantry) units.
The first year of the war was disastrous for the Red Army, which resulted in the loss of over five million men killed or captured, as well as vast amounts of weapons, equipment and materiel lost. Due to the rapid advances made by the Germans, most of the Soviet Unions industrial and manufacturing capacities in the west were over run or had to be transferred east to the Urals, so as to continue production. Therefore 1942 was an austere period for the Soviets and the quality and quantity of the soldiers equipment became quite rudimentary and basic. Also, there was an increased use of synthetic and replacement materials. Often as a consequence soldiers were infrequently issued with a full compliment of equipment and field gear. As the war progressed there was some improvement, particularly in Guards units, who generally tended to be better manned and equipped than other line Rifle units.
As seen in photographic archives of Red Army soldiers during the war, there was a vast array of appearances in both uniform and equipment. This was due to the fact that it was being manufactured in factories and workshops all across the Soviet Union and that local interpretation and materials available resulted in some variations on the same patterns of uniform and equipment being produced.
Obr 1936 field equipment.
At the outbreak of the war the Obr 1936 field equipment was still quite evident in the field. It was largely made from leather, ie the belt, pouches, straps etc. The rucksack, which was similar in appearance to the German "Tornister" , but made from canvas on a wooden frame with a green coloured synthetic leather outer flap.
This pattern of equipment quickly disappeared from the field during the early months of the war.
Ranyets rioksak Obr 1936 or rucksack.
The Obr 1936 rucksack.
The loops on the outer flap were used to secure the mess tin
in it's canvas cover to the pack. The shoulder straps attached
to the D rings on the ammunition pouches on the front of the
wearers belt and the bottom corners of the pack by hooks.
There was also an officers version of the pack, distinguished
by the lack of any loops on the outer flap.
Obr 1938 field equipment.
In 1938 a new pattern of field equipment was authorised and was introduced the following year. There was an increase in the use of canvas and webbing material. The canvas back pack (Ranyets rioksak) had two external pockets with some leather reinforcing and straps and the back and shoulder straps were padded for comfort.
In 1941 a simplified all canvas version with only two leather pocket straps briefly appeared. The great coat could be carried "horse shoe" style over the top of the pack. A small bag for the cape/shelter poles, rope and pegs was strapped underneath the pack.
The water canteen in this image has the type of carrier with the long strap and worn over the left shoulder.
On the waist belt under the pack was carried a small canvas ration bag. The equipment worn on the belt was supported by webbing Y straps worn across the shoulders.
Shown below the right leather ammuntion pouch in this image is a canvas pouch, which held an auxillary ammo supply of thirty rounds.
By mid 1942 this pattern had all but disappeared from use in the field as it was too costly to manufacture under wartime production conditions.
In 1941 a simplified all canvas version with only two leather pocket straps briefly appeared. The great coat could be carried "horse shoe" style over the top of the pack. A small bag for the cape/shelter poles, rope and pegs was strapped underneath the pack.
The water canteen in this image has the type of carrier with the long strap and worn over the left shoulder.
On the waist belt under the pack was carried a small canvas ration bag. The equipment worn on the belt was supported by webbing Y straps worn across the shoulders.
Shown below the right leather ammuntion pouch in this image is a canvas pouch, which held an auxillary ammo supply of thirty rounds.
By mid 1942 this pattern had all but disappeared from use in the field as it was too costly to manufacture under wartime production conditions.
Ranyets rioksak Obr 1938.
View of the Obr 1938 rucksack.
The plasch palatka cape/shelter is rolled across the rucksack. When the greatcoat was not worn it was carried in the same fashion on the rucksack, either wrapped inside or with the plasch Palatka strapped on top of the coat. On the wearers left hip is a BN gas mask bag. Under the rucksack is the ration bag and on the right hip is the canteen worn over the entrenching shovel.
Each shoulder strap at the front was adjustable and had a hook on it, which attached to a D ring on to the ammunition pouches at the front of the wearers belt. The other ends of the shoulder straps were attached to the bottom corners of the pack, the left one with a D ring and the right one with a hook fitting. This was so that the wearer could put the pack on unassisted. An additional strap and hook on the bottom of the pack could be attached to the back of wearers waist belt, however it was commonly removed by the soldiers in the field. A small pouch, which held the tent/shelter poles, pegs and rope could be attached to the bottom of the pack by straps.
The plasch palatka cape/shelter is rolled across the rucksack. When the greatcoat was not worn it was carried in the same fashion on the rucksack, either wrapped inside or with the plasch Palatka strapped on top of the coat. On the wearers left hip is a BN gas mask bag. Under the rucksack is the ration bag and on the right hip is the canteen worn over the entrenching shovel.
Each shoulder strap at the front was adjustable and had a hook on it, which attached to a D ring on to the ammunition pouches at the front of the wearers belt. The other ends of the shoulder straps were attached to the bottom corners of the pack, the left one with a D ring and the right one with a hook fitting. This was so that the wearer could put the pack on unassisted. An additional strap and hook on the bottom of the pack could be attached to the back of wearers waist belt, however it was commonly removed by the soldiers in the field. A small pouch, which held the tent/shelter poles, pegs and rope could be attached to the bottom of the pack by straps.
Obr 1938 rucksack.The external pouches contained the soldiers weapon cleaning kit and personal hygene items. Internally, spare foot wraps,underwear, clothing, mess tin and field rations were stored. Detachable straps were used to secure the greatcoat or rain cape to the outside of the pack.
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Another view of Obr 1938 rucksack, showing the padded shoulder straps and back padding. The hook to secure the pack to the wearers belt is visible at the bottom of the pack. This was often removed by soldiers in the field.
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Obr 1938 field gear. Early war.
Obr 1938 field equipment. Top: Obr 1936 kaska, Obr 1938 rioksak, plashch palatka, tent poles, rope and pegs in small pouch attached to bottom of rioksak. Bottom: L to R, BN gas mask bag, leather belt, web 'Y 'straps, Obr 1937 leather ammo pouch, bayonet & frog, RGD 33 grenade pouch, ration bag, water canteen, infantry shovel, leather ammo pouch and canvas reserve ammo pouch. Note: The anti-gas cape and salopettes would have been strapped to the top of the rioksak on top of the rain cape. Also, the bayonet frog was not a common issue item. It was usual for the bayonet to be permanently attached to the rifle
Ranyets rioksak Obr 1941.
Obr 1941 rucksack. Is very similar to the Obr 1938 version, except the leather work is reduced. The securing straps for attaching the greatcoat or rain cape/tent shelter were permanently fixed to the pack. The small pouch strapped to the bottom of the pack contains the tent poles, pegs and rope.
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Another view of the Obr 1941 pack showing the back padding and straps. It was in use for a very short time as it was too expensive to produce under wartime conditions.
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As the war progressed the equipment became simplified and easier to manufacture, often incorporating replacement and sometimes synthetic materials.
Veschevoi myeshok or simple back pack.
The origins of the vesch-myeshok date back to the late 1860's which was later re-introduced in 1923 with the Red Army. It was sometimes referred as the "Turkestan" or "Sidor" bag. It was a simple canvas sack like bag with a draw string at the top, with a canvas strap attached to the bottom of each corner. The strap could be looped around the neck of the bag to form the shoulder straps. A chest strap was fitted with either an adjustable buckle, wooden toggle or tie string arrangement.
Earlier patterns had a toggle attachment so that one end of the strap could be attached/detached to bottom of the pack. The myeshok introduced in 1941 had both ends of the shoulder strap sewn to the bottom of the pack.
(Go to the More section above, Misc. pages on how to tie the pack)
Earlier patterns had a toggle attachment so that one end of the strap could be attached/detached to bottom of the pack. The myeshok introduced in 1941 had both ends of the shoulder strap sewn to the bottom of the pack.
(Go to the More section above, Misc. pages on how to tie the pack)
Podsoomoki dlya patronii or ammo pouches.
Ammo pouches for the Mosin Nagant rifle. Top: Pre and early war Obr 37 leather pouches. Bottom: Post war synthetic "Rexine" pouch, which is not suitable for war time period. Each compartment could hold 15 rounds in clips or about 20 loose rounds. |
German post war reparation pouches are a good alternative to original Soviet pouches.
 A canvas economy ammo pouch. It was issued in lieu of leather pouch. |
Podsoomoki dlya pistolyet pulyemyeta, CBT, granata ee patronii.
Pouches for submachine guns, SVT rifle, hand grenades and ammunition.
A selection of pouches for use with the PPSh or PPS submachine guns, including the 71 round drum and 35 round curved magazines. The 35 round curved magazines for the PPSh & PPS were not interchangable.
From Top left: 35 round pouch, PPS and PPSh magazines, 35 round pouch with small pouch attached for the magazine loader.
Bottom: PPSh drum magazine pouches. The centre one is an early war type which has a web loop on the back for the Y strap to attach through.
Below: a magazine pouch for the SVT 40 self loading rifle. The pouch held two magazines. An economy canvas pouch was also produced.
 SVT magazine pouch |
 Economy canvas SVT pouch. |
Below: An ecomony made ammunition bandolier which was worn over a shoulder and across the chest. It could hold 70 rounds in clips of the standard 7.62 x 54 R ammunition. A canvas auxiliary pouch was worn on the waist belt below the right ammo pouch and was for spare ammunition , ie up to 30 rounds in clips or about 40 in loose rounds.
 Economy made ammunition bandolier. When issued, the 7.63mm ammunition may have come in cardboard boxes containing three clips of 5 rounds each or 15 loose rounds in a paper packet. Both the boxes and packets were tied with string. |
 Auxillary ammo pouch.It could hold up to 30 rounds in clips or paper packets. The fastening loop could be made of cloth or string. |
A paper packet of 15 loose rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
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7.62mm clipped ammunition in 15 round cardboard boxes.The boxes could fit inside the standard Mosin ammo pouches
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Below: Right is a pouch for the F1 grenade. Wartime pouches held three grenades.
Left is a pouch for the RGD 33 stick grenade. It held two grenades and there is a small internal pocket to hold fuses.
Left is a pouch for the RGD 33 stick grenade. It held two grenades and there is a small internal pocket to hold fuses.
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Flyaga or water canteen.
War time canteens are distinguishable from post war one's. War time examples were unpainted aluminium and appeared that of an egg in shape, whereas post war ones are usually painted olive green and appear more lozenge shaped. The twist top which was connected to the bottle with a small chain also differed.
The threading appeared finer and the twist top had milling around the top edge. Early post war examples were very similar, whereas 1970's onwards the tops are more rounded and the threading is heavier looking. It was worn in a canvas condensation carrier, which was attached to the waist belt and near the entrenching tool on the right hip. In an effort to reduce the use of aluminium, which was essential to other wartime manufacture, ie aircraft production, a glass canteen was also produced.
Some pre and early war time canteen carriers (chekhlom) were also evident, ie one which looked similar in appearance to the German canteen carrier and another type had long straps so it could be worn over the shoulder. See below. Original wartime canteens can be expensive at between £50-£90 depending on condition. Post war East German war reparation patterns are the best substitute and are more accurate than late post war Soviet examples.
The threading appeared finer and the twist top had milling around the top edge. Early post war examples were very similar, whereas 1970's onwards the tops are more rounded and the threading is heavier looking. It was worn in a canvas condensation carrier, which was attached to the waist belt and near the entrenching tool on the right hip. In an effort to reduce the use of aluminium, which was essential to other wartime manufacture, ie aircraft production, a glass canteen was also produced.
Some pre and early war time canteen carriers (chekhlom) were also evident, ie one which looked similar in appearance to the German canteen carrier and another type had long straps so it could be worn over the shoulder. See below. Original wartime canteens can be expensive at between £50-£90 depending on condition. Post war East German war reparation patterns are the best substitute and are more accurate than late post war Soviet examples.
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Lopata pekhotye or infantry shovel.
Left: Pre/early war shovel. Right: late war shovel, both with canvas carriers.
Pre and early war infantry entrenching shovels were manufactured in three metal pieces and were riveted together and were similar in appearance to the German shovel. They came in both pointed and square ends.
Later pattern shovels were crudely manufactured and made from two metal pieces welded together and were made with a pointed end only. Both types had short wooden handles and the total length of the shovel was 50cm.
The pre and early war carriers were made in leather, similar in appearance to the German pattern. Later carriers were made from canvas with buckle, button or toggle fasteners. It was worn on the belt on the right hip
Soomki dlya protivogaznaya or gas mask bag.
There were a number of patterns of gas mask and bags in use during the war.
The BN bag was distinguished by its two small external pouches on the sides, which held the individual decontamination kit and demisting wax. Other bags for the M.08, SchM1 and BS variants were simplified in production and had no external pouches.
During the war gas masks were largely withdrawn from service or discarded and the bags were used to carry personal items, ammo or rations.
For this reason the gas masks are not covered here in the equipment section. It was worn over the right shoulder and hung on the left hip.
The BN bag was distinguished by its two small external pouches on the sides, which held the individual decontamination kit and demisting wax. Other bags for the M.08, SchM1 and BS variants were simplified in production and had no external pouches.
During the war gas masks were largely withdrawn from service or discarded and the bags were used to carry personal items, ammo or rations.
For this reason the gas masks are not covered here in the equipment section. It was worn over the right shoulder and hung on the left hip.
Plashch palatka or rain cape/shelter.
Cape, rope, poles, stakes and 1938 manual
An important piece of kit, which offered rudimentary protection from the elements to the Red Army soldier.
It was a square in shape, measuring about 180x180 cm and made from a canvas water proof duck material with draw strings incorporated into one corner. The strings could be used to tie the cape across the shoulders and also to form a hood. Small toggles and holes along the front edges were used to fasten the cape up and an arm vent was incorporated into the right front. Each corner also had a leather grommet.
When issued, the cape came with a 4.5 metre length of rope, two short wooden tent poles, one wooden and one metal stake, and when combined with other capes it could be made into a 2, 4 or 6 man tent shelter. Due to wear and loss the tents were more than often erected using sticks and branches cut locally.
Late post war capes can be identified by the use of brass grommets, metal dished buttons instead of wooden toggles and two small straps sewn onto one corner, used to attach cape to the modern back pack. With a little effort post war capes can be converted to look like a wartime one. When not being worn the capes were carried rolled "horse shoe" fashion over the left shoulder.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE PLASHCH PALATKA IS INCLUDED IN THE MISCELLANEOUS SECTION.
It was a square in shape, measuring about 180x180 cm and made from a canvas water proof duck material with draw strings incorporated into one corner. The strings could be used to tie the cape across the shoulders and also to form a hood. Small toggles and holes along the front edges were used to fasten the cape up and an arm vent was incorporated into the right front. Each corner also had a leather grommet.
When issued, the cape came with a 4.5 metre length of rope, two short wooden tent poles, one wooden and one metal stake, and when combined with other capes it could be made into a 2, 4 or 6 man tent shelter. Due to wear and loss the tents were more than often erected using sticks and branches cut locally.
Late post war capes can be identified by the use of brass grommets, metal dished buttons instead of wooden toggles and two small straps sewn onto one corner, used to attach cape to the modern back pack. With a little effort post war capes can be converted to look like a wartime one. When not being worn the capes were carried rolled "horse shoe" fashion over the left shoulder.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE PLASHCH PALATKA IS INCLUDED IN THE MISCELLANEOUS SECTION.
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Basic mid to late war belt equipment.
This image shows the basic layout for the rifleman's belt equipment i.e. an EM pattern leather belt, two pairs of ammo pouches, a grenade pouch, a water canteen, gas mask bag, shovel, rain cape, simple backpack and mess tin.
These are the items which new members should acquire for the initial field gear impression.
Shinel or greatcoat.
Obr 1941 pattern greatcoat.
Obr 1935 patterns appeared to be a lighter coloured grey material and the cuff turn ups were pointed at the top at the back of the cuff and the collar appeared larger. They are considered a better quality than Obr 1941 pattern. Often when issued, the soldier was required to cut the bottom edge to a length appropriate to the wearers height.
The enlisted mans shinel (Russian word for military greatcoat), Obr 1941 pattern were made of a brownish mixed wool material and appeared of a somewhat rough and shoddy appearance. It had the same four " hook and eye " fastening down the front right side of the coat, as the Obr 1935 coat. It had a large collar which could be turned up in bad weather and it had a vent and half belt(hylastic) with buttons on the back. A vertical pocket slit was on each coat hip. The coat also had horizontal cut false turn ups on the sleeve cuffs. The rear of the waist belt was always worn above the half belt.
The rank and branch insignia were worn on the collar gorget patches on the Obr 1935 and Obr 1941 coats. When the Obr 1943 pattern rank and branch insignia was introduced, a cloth loop and button was worn on each shoulder where the pogonii were attached to the greatcoat. Also, pitlitsii collar patches in branch of service colours with a single button was attached on each collar point.
Officers coats were of a better quality and finish. The Obr 1935 pattern had two rows of four buttons, horizontal hip pockets with flap covers and pointed cuff turn ups. The Obr 1941 pattern had two rows of five buttons down the front, horizontal pockets at the hips with flap covers and horizontal cut turn ups on the sleeve cuffs.
When not worn they were carried over the left shoulder, often wrapped inside the cape for protection in a bedroll fashion and was known as a "Skatka". Not just a winter item, greatcoats were carried all year round and were used in conjunction with the rain cape, whereby the soldier would use it as a blanket for sleeping in, as blankets were not issued for field use.
Note: Good quality Obr 35 and Obr 43 reproduction greatcoats are now available (see above recommended suppliers).
However, they are relatively expensive to acquire, therefore postwar examples are a viable option. Post war period mid 1960's-early 80's greatcoats, sometimes referred to as "Brezhnevkas", are still available and can generally be sourced relatively easily. These can be adapted to a GPW period appearance by a simple conversion.
1. Brezhnevkas may still have attached the stitched on green collar tabs and shoulder boards, which need to be carefully removed.Tip-retain the the tabs and boards material, as they can be recycled into loops for attaching the Obr 43 shoulder boards to the greatcoat, or for fabricating 1941 pattern subdued (pitlitsi) collar tabs for the Obr 35 pattern gimnastiorka!
2. Attach the Obr 43 collar tabs to the collar.The front collar seam edge was opened sufficiently and the end of the tab was tucked in and the seam was hand stitched closed, making sure that when the tab is folded back, it is centrally aligned on the collar,with the longer edge of the tab uppermost and the lower tab edge follows the stitching that is parallel with the bottom collar edge, with the tab button at the top edge.The tab can be stitched on either by hand or machine, per the below image.
3.Wartime greatcoats did not have buttons or loops for attaching the Obr 43 shoulder boards and were required to be sewn on by the soldier. Simple loops were fabricated from khaki/green material, similar to those on the gimnastiorka and were hand stitched on.The loops and buttons were fixed so that they were slightly in front of the coat shoulder seam, again similar to that of the gimnastiorka. A stitched on variant of the shoulder board was also in use during the war and was afixed at the shoulder upper sleeve seam. The shoulder buttons were standard 18mm brass or steel painted olive green type.
4. The two modern white metal buttons on the rear half belt (hylastic) need to be replaced with period 22mm brass or painted olive green steel type.
5. The three 14mm white metal buttons on the rear vent skirt are a post war addition and need to be removed and are not required to be replaced.
SEE MISCELLANEOUS SECTION ON HOW TO ROLL A GREATCOAT "SKATKA" .
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Kotelok or mess tin.
Two patterns of mess tins were generally in use during the course of the war.
Right: The Obr 1936 type was similar in appearance to the German mess tin ie, a two piece kidney shaped aluminium container with lid and a pail handle. Left: The Obr 1926 type was a simple cook pot, 12cms tall and 16cms wide with a pail handle. It was made both in aluminium and in steel. Generally in the field enlisted men did not possess a full set of cutlery, utilising a spoon only. The spoon (lojkha) was often seen tucked into the top of the soldiers boot or puttees. An aluminium or enamelled metal drinking mug (kroozhka) would have been in use. The enamelled mugs were seen in various colours, including white, green, light blue and yellow enamel. A cloth drawstring bag to store the mess tin was also issued. |
Personal hygiene.
Clockwise from top left: safety razor, shaving brush and enamel cups, soap and soap dish, mirror, handkerchief, spare collar liner, comb, tooth powder and brush and a towel.
Neezhnye byelye or underwear.
A 1935 pattern summer undershirt, black undershorts and portyanki footwraps.
In summer a light cotton undershirt was worn.
In winter a warm cotton version of the undershirt was issued together with "long john" under trousers
and was known as Bumazeynogo neezhnyego byelye.
It was also common for soldiers to wear civilian clothing under the uniform, particulary during the winter.
The enlisted man received the following issue of underwear per annum:
Undershirts - summer x 2, winter warm x1.
Undershorts - summer x 3, winter warm x1.
Portyanki - summer x 3, winter warm x2.
The underwear was supposedly exchanged every ten days for a clean set. Invariably, the soldier often got someone else's underwear back from the laundry!
In summer the portyanki footwraps were made of linen or flannel material and in winter made from warm cotton and wool material.
In winter a warm cotton version of the undershirt was issued together with "long john" under trousers
and was known as Bumazeynogo neezhnyego byelye.
It was also common for soldiers to wear civilian clothing under the uniform, particulary during the winter.
The enlisted man received the following issue of underwear per annum:
Undershirts - summer x 2, winter warm x1.
Undershorts - summer x 3, winter warm x1.
Portyanki - summer x 3, winter warm x2.
The underwear was supposedly exchanged every ten days for a clean set. Invariably, the soldier often got someone else's underwear back from the laundry!
In summer the portyanki footwraps were made of linen or flannel material and in winter made from warm cotton and wool material.
Personal items.
Clockwise from top left: Tobacco pouch,cigerette papers and "Makhorka" cigerettes, playing cards, torch, "Belomorkanal" papierossi cigerettes, small pouch containing sunflower seeds, trouser belt, pocket knife, field post card, Army book, Bakelite tube with paper roll with ID details, personal letter and photos, wallet and money, notebook and pencil.
THIS CONCLUDES THE GUIDANCE SECTIONS ON THE BASIC UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT PAGES. ITEMS SUCH AS WINTER UNIFORMS AND CAMOUFLAGE CLOTHING, TOGETHER WITH OTHER ARTICLES OF INTEREST HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE MISCELLANEOUS SECTION, UNDER THE "MORE" HEADER AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.