Links to additional resources
World War 2, Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa Theatre, Polish Peaked Caps (Rogatywka)
Subcollections
Overview
Rogatywka (sometimes translated as peaked cap) is the Polish generic name for a peaked, four-pointed cap used by various Polish military formations throughout the ages. It is a distant relative of its 18th-century predecessor, the konfederatka (so-named because of use by members of the Bar Confederation), although similar caps have been used by light cavalry since the 14th century. It consists of a four-pointed top and a short peak, usually made of black or brown leather. Although rogatywka (derived from róg which means "horn" or "corner") in English seems to mean the same as czapka, the word czapka in Polish designates not only rogatywka, but all caps (not hats).
Historical information
The Polish Independent Carpathian Rifle Brigade, co-defended Tobruk from August 1941. Poles, along with the British 70th Division, gradually replacing the Australian 9th Division.
Details
Details
Registration number
cwa-org-32-54-764
Inscriptions and markings
The rogatywka usually comes in two variants: the hardened and soft version. The hardened model, based on the rogatywka Mk. 1935, olive green with black peak, is used in full gala uniforms. It was not worn during most of the People's Republic of Poland era but was reintroduced for ceremonial wear by the Honour Guard Company in 1983. The soft version was used before World War II and during the People's Republic of Poland period for garrison dress; it was withdrawn after 1990
Contextual Information
During World War 2, Australians served alongside Polish comrades in the Air Force in the United Kingdom and in land units in North Africa with particular affinity at the siege of Tobruk. Many Polish veterans, unable to return home during the post-war Communist emigrated to Australia. In many cases, there was no family connection to pass on medals awarded for World War 2 service. The Australian Army Museum of Western Australia respectfully acts as stewards for mementos of this service and their Veteran's organisation.
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Other items from Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
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World War 1, Western Australia, Perth Heritage Week Exhibit, 32561 ABBOTT, 10 Field Artillery Brigade AIF
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World War 1, Western Australia, Perth Heritage Week Exhibit, ALTORFER
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World War 1, Western Australia, Perth Heritage Week Exhibit, 564 BATEMAN, 28 Battalion AIF
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World War 1, Western Australia, Perth Heritage Week Exhibit, BETTS
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World War 1, Australia, Volunteered for Active Service Medically Unfit Badge
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World War 1, Western Australia, Perth Heritage Week Exhibit, BLANKENSEE
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World War 1, Western Australia, Perth Heritage Week Exhibit, CRAWCOUR
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World War 1, Western Australia, Perth Heritage Week Exhibit, DORNEY
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World War 1, Western Australia, Perth Heritage Week Exhibit, 3526 DURACK. 10 Light Horse, AIF (also W140)
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World War 1, Western Australia, Perth Heritage Week Exhibit, 1804 EWING, 3 Field Artillery Brigade, AIF
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World War 1, Western Australia, Perth Heritage Week Exhibit, GLOWREY, 16 Battalion AIF
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World War 1, Western Australia, Perth Heritage Week Exhibit, 19753 HEENAN, 8 Field Artillery Brigade AIF (also WW2 W29061)
General Władysław Sikorski, the C-in-C of the Polish Armed Forces, inspecting a Bren machine gun post manned by soldiers of the Polish Independent Carpathian Rifles Brigade in Tobruk, 14 November 1941
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