What information can be gleaned from this military uniform?

Fleurette · 03-23-2016, 08:43 PM

I have attached a photo of a relative in military uniform. I believe he was born about 1900 in Horodenka which was a town in the Galician region of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, this territory belongs to the Ivano Franvs'k (spelling?) region of Ukraine. Someone told me it was a Polish military uniform, but I do not know. Is anyone able to provide any insight? My ultimate goal is to learn something about the nature of this man's military service. Thank you in advance.

**CBH** · 03-23-2016, 08:54 PM

All I can tell you is it's a Polish uniform .
Are the black spots war time censorship ?

**CBH** · 03-23-2016, 08:56 PM

Also welcome to the forum ! I'm sure someone with more information will help you out .

**Tomasz70** · 03-23-2016, 09:50 PM

Private of the Polish Army, probably infantry (looking at the collar patches), however boots suggest rather mounted forces (artillery?). Parabellum P08 pistol holster and sabre were probably requisite / prop of the photo atelier. Photo taken between 1920-1927.

Fleurette · 03-24-2016, 12:05 AM

I also wondered about the spots. I thought perhaps the uniform had been patched, but I really don't know. I wonder if I'd be able to find any records for this soldier, but that's probably a topic for a different forum. 😬

**CBH** · 03-24-2016, 03:20 PM

I was thinking the black spots might be war time censorship , blacking out unit insignia etc .

**Tomasz70** · 03-24-2016, 03:37 PM

As regards black spots - it is accidental defect. No patches, no insignia were worn in this area. No wartime censorship intervention could take place as well.

**CBH** · 03-24-2016, 04:43 PM

I wasn't sure about Polish metal placement , and I didn't really mean war-time .
More that the political fortunes changed over time , and wearing somethings might look bad at later date .