Austria-Hungary Polish Legion Uhlan

[Ian]

I wanted to share this great photo of a Polish Legion Uhlan that I recently obtained. The ?auxiliary? units (Poles, Ukrainians and Albanians) of the Austro-Hungarian Army interest me and I am trying to learn more about their uniforms, rank insignia and structure.

I believe that the man pictured is a member of the Polish Legion Uhlan Regiment No1. However, I am baffled by his rank . Can anyone enlighten me on this and perhaps point me in the direction of some reference material?

The reverse of the card is also shown. I have worked out the greeting on the card, but haven?t been able to decipher the senders? name. I think it is Unteroffizier Karl H**elmann-******. Can anyone enlighten me please.

Cheers,

Ian

[Guest Rick Research]

Hmm. Flawed handwriting and spelling...

6/IV 17 Warschau

Zum Andenkung

(lasst?) mein Bild

f?r Schwester

Helene

Polnischer-Legioner

Untoffz Karl Yerguessizazgudazmine

So a memento for a German speaking nurse. Not HIS sister, I'd say.

[Ian]

Rick,

I had the translation slightly wrong. On re-reading it I agree with you that he has sent his picture to a German speaking nurse. I notice you didn't add the hyphen to his name? I have it as Untoffz Karl Yerguessizazgud-azmine.

Ian

[David M]

Rick,

I had the translation slightly wrong. On re-reading it I agree with you that he has sent his picture to a German speaking nurse. I notice you didn't add the hyphen to his name? I have it as Untoffz Karl Yerguessizazgud-azmine.

Ian

I would read (lasst?) as lasse (comparing the e in the next words).

For his name: What about Fridman-Dozewo

Edited August 26, 2008 by David M

[Ian]

David,

Thanks for taking the time to add your comments and I think you could well be right about his last name.

Definately 'lasse' and not 'lasst'. His flawed handwriting (and spelling) makes a whole lot of sense when you consider that German was probably his not his first language.

[ccj]

Nice,

I too have interest in the Polish Legions. I have a Polish Legion cap and I think its either infantry or Ulan. I need to take a photo.

[rotmeister]

it's definitely polish ulan's photo

the shape of the upper part of the uniform determines it

it could be 1st or 2nd polish ulan regiment

[Ian]

Rotmeister, Thank you for the information.

[Mervyn Mitton]

The medieval Polish Knights and horsemen were some of the most skilled in Europe. They

were quite ferocious in battle and it was they - who turned the Ottoman troops back from the gates of Vienna.

During the Napoleonic Wars their Lancer Regiments were seized on by Napoleon and were integrated into

the French Army. They were very effective as no-one wanted to face a 3 metre (9 feet) Lance.

This came to a head at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The British Heavy Cavalry charged the French guns -

quite succesfully, however during their retreat to the British Lines Napoleon sent the Uhlans after the British.

Our heavy equipment and thick mud brough many casualties from the lances and one of our most famous

Regiments - The Royal Scots Greys - were nearly wiped out.

This brought changes in the British Army and a number of our light cavalry regiments were converted into

Lancers. Therefore the history for British Lancer Regiments only commences from 1815. The Polish uniform with the breast plastron was copied - as was the Polish Uhlans Tschapka. We still have some Lancer Regts. - but outside of Ceremonial duties they drive tanks.

This Tschapka is for the 17th Lancers - a very famous Regiment - it dates to the 1879 period when they fought against

the Zulus. I am told the yellow band should be blue , but I don't want to touch it as it is quite fragile. The last Battle Honour on the helmet plate is for South Africa 1879.

So, a living testimony to the bravery and battle skills of the old Polish horsemen.

CLICK PICTURES TO ENLARGE)

[Mervyn Mitton]

The hook on the reverse was for the braided cords that kept the Tschapka with the officer.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Side view

[Mervyn Mitton]

The Helmet Plate - with Crown for Queen Victoria