'POLAND' shoulder titles were usually white-on-red, but black-on-orange is also recorded (for the Podhalian Infantry, but probably for other units as well). These were worn at the top of both sleeves.
Officers and NCOs frequently added black shoulder-boards to their battledress. Oddly, these were sometimes only worn on the left epaulette (see the photo below). These were intended as full-dress items, but were frequently worn in the field. Rank insignia was silver. Less ostentatious individuals simply sewed the insignia directly onto battledress epaulettes. Both types are seen in the field in photos.
The 1st Armoured Division patch of mediaeval hussar helmet and wing in black, outlined in white, superimposed on an orange disc, was worn only on the upper left arm – different to the British and Canadians, who wore their formation patches on both arms. The 10th Dragoons also wore a unique unit patch on the right upper sleeve, comprising a blue shield with white saltire and an orange central device.
Officers also wore their regimental badge centrally on the left breast pocket, like an order of chivalry. These were usually silver and came in a variety of designs (like British regimental badges) and if you ever go to the division's cemetery in Granville, you'll see large metal versions mounted on the front gates. One of the division's artillery regiments even had a swastika (which of course was an ancient symbol) incorporated into the design!
Collar 'pennant' patch colours were:
1st Armoured Regiment – black over orange, with red central piping.
2nd Armoured Regiment – as above with white piping.
24th Lancers – white with yellow central piping.
10th Dragoons (Motor Battalion) – Crimson over orange, with green central piping.
10th Chasseurs a Cheval (Armoured Recce) – Bright green over yellow, with white central piping.
Podhalian Infantry – Blue over yellow.
8th Infantry ('The Bloody Shirts') – Turquoise over blue.
9th Infantry – Yellow over blue, with blue over yellow central piping.
MG Squadron – Yellow over crimson, with blue over yellow central piping.
1st & 2nd Motorised Artillery Regts – Black over dark green.
1st Anti-Tank Regt – Red over orange, with black triangle at the 'hoist'.
1st Light AA Regt – Green with yellow central piping.
There were lots of others for HQs and ancilliary troops, but I won't list them all unless you absolutely want them.
Helmets were painted with the Polish eagle in yellow or white.
Berets/GS Caps were as for the British – black for armour and khaki for everyone else. These were decorated with the Polish eagle for all regiments (embroidered wire version for officers). Officers and NCOs wore rank badges immediately below the cap badge. Berets/GS Caps were often (but not always) worn with the material swept back on the nead, rather than over the right ear in British/Canadian style.
shows off the U.S. infantry from the Flames of War starter set.
