General Sosabowski

[Adrian Stevenson]

Those types of torch were popular in wartime Europe as batteries were hard to obtain.

Cheers, Ade.

[Scout]

Right. That corresponds with me being told, that it was a WWII era torch.
Ive seen them before at shows on occasion.

[Gary J]

The Map case I believe is a cavalry type issue, .... which the Polish Airborne seem to have adopted.
I have quite a few photo's of this style of case being used by the Polish Airborne, ... but don't confuse this case with the 1944 jungle pattern, which does not have the leather strap and clip swivel to the top.

Gary J.

And recognition from our Dutch friends in 2006 !

militaire willemsorde poolse parachutisten sosabowski - YouTube

Thanks Tony, is that a map case hanging down in front?

[dastier]

Thanks Gary. I suppose as good a place as any.

[dastier]

...At an antiques show yesterday, I noticed a vintage torch, where you repeatedly pushed a lever to generate power.

Those types of torch were popular in wartime Europe as batteries were hard to obtain.

Cheers, Ade.

Here's a pic just in case anyone wonders what's being discussed...

[Adrian Stevenson]

Thats the one.

[Scout]

Identical to the one I handled yesterday. Same colour too. Thanks for posting.

[dastier]

Here's a representation of Polish para's kit. Both the map case and the torch are shown. Can anyone confirm that these torches (dynamo type) were actually used in battle.

I had my dad's as a kid and I don't recall them being quiet to operate.

Identical to the one I handled yesterday. Same colour too. Thanks for posting.

You're welcome Scout...

Did the torch still work? My dads' did not, probably why he let me use it as a toy.

[Scout]

No, it was defective. A spring most likely broken, as the 'lever(?)' was permanently depressed almost all the way.

[Adrian Stevenson]

These torches feature in several collectors books with kit displayed like shown. I feel they have been given a greater prominance than is perhaps justified as a result.

Added a new thread on Lamp Electric No.1 in the Western Allies forum.

Lamp, Electric, No.1

Cheers, Ade.