Polish Uniform Portraits and ID
Polish Uniforms
Hi, I've just joined the group and I would appreciate any help in identifying the uniforms in the attached photo. I have just been sent this from Poland and I believe that one is my grandfather. Is it possible to put a date to the uniforms? What is the significance of the collar decorations and pockets which appear to be different on each man.
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Lach wrote:
Empire. The Legion used surplus A-H uniform pieces.
halinamc wrote:
(circa 1919 ?)
In the wake of the war - when the Polish "Second Republic" was just coming into being - the Polish military did not have a full supply of new
uniforms to outfit their armies. Consequently, the Polish uniform-of-the-day was a mixed bag of tunics, trousers, boots, shoes or leggings left over
from the German, Austro-Hungarian, French and other military forces. This explains why the two men pictured above are wearing different jacket styles:
Others - including myself - have asked about the ornate collar patterns. I believe the last word on this topic was that the "wavy" patterns were
a unique ornamental design without particular significance other than it distinguished the wearer as a Polish soldier. Evidently there was no exclusive
pattern for the wavy design in these early uniforms, either, as they seem to have differed from maker to maker, and often from unit to unit.
If another member of the forum can correct or clarify this information about the collar tab designs (or anything else above), it will be appreciated.
It is during the First World War. The photo was taken while WWII hero, Henryk Dobrzynski was in the Polish Legion under the auspices of the Austro-HungarianThe 2nd photo from the Legions - I found it great! Officers (?) are wearing Austro-Hungarian hats without peaks and Polish eagles on it.
Do you know the time photo was taken?
Empire. The Legion used surplus A-H uniform pieces.
halinamc wrote:
Welcome! Other participants might be able to give further details, but I believe the uniforms date from very shortly after the First World War.Hi, I've just joined the group and I would appreciate any help in identifying the uniforms in the attached photo. I have just been sent this from Poland
and I believe that one is my grandfather. Is it possible to put a date to the uniforms? What is the significance of the collar decorations and pockets which
appear to be different on each man
(circa 1919 ?)
In the wake of the war - when the Polish "Second Republic" was just coming into being - the Polish military did not have a full supply of new
uniforms to outfit their armies. Consequently, the Polish uniform-of-the-day was a mixed bag of tunics, trousers, boots, shoes or leggings left over
from the German, Austro-Hungarian, French and other military forces. This explains why the two men pictured above are wearing different jacket styles:
Others - including myself - have asked about the ornate collar patterns. I believe the last word on this topic was that the "wavy" patterns were
a unique ornamental design without particular significance other than it distinguished the wearer as a Polish soldier. Evidently there was no exclusive
pattern for the wavy design in these early uniforms, either, as they seem to have differed from maker to maker, and often from unit to unit.
If another member of the forum can correct or clarify this information about the collar tab designs (or anything else above), it will be appreciated.
Home Guard fits. I believe the Home Guard - and KOP and maybe some RPII Air Force - had the rounded visor caps,We have been told that the uniform may be home-guard. What do you think?
as opposed to the four-corner. Others can tell you more.
Here is a group portrait - maybe a pick-up band. Note the diverse collar-tab patterns:
(online auction)
Re: Polish Uniform Portraits
A full-view of an LWP uniform. What pistols did they typically use? (Can anyone tell what model that is?)
(online auction)
(online auction)