This is an original World War II brass cap badge of the British Army’s 26th Hussars, featuring the crowned Polish White Eagle—a striking symbol that reflects the regiment’s unique multinational wartime heritage. The badge shows the eagle with wings displayed, head turned to its right, wearing the Royal Crown of Poland, and clutching both a sword and a sceptre, with a scroll beneath inscribed XXVI HUSSARS. The reverse retains both original lugs for attachment.

The Polish crowned eagle (Orzeł Biały) is one of Europe’s oldest heraldic devices, dating back to the 13th century and serving as the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Poland. It represented sovereignty, martial courage, and national unity, and under occupation during WW2 it became a defiant emblem of resistance. Following Poland’s fall in 1939, thousands of Polish servicemen escaped to continue the fight alongside the Allies, bringing their national symbol into units across Britain, the Middle East, and India.

The 26th Hussars were formed in India in June 1941, largely from personnel of the 14th/20th King’s Hussars and other cavalry regiments. Though a British unit, they adopted the Polish eagle in honour of the close bonds forged with Polish cavalrymen in exile. Many of these men had fought in the 1939 campaign, endured Soviet captivity or perilous escapes, and now trained for renewed combat in the Allied cause.

Initially equipped with light tanks and armoured cars, the regiment prepared for operations in the Far East. However, their service was brief—by December 1943 the 26th Hussars were disbanded, their men transferring to other armoured units such as the 3rd Hussars. Today, their cap badge stands as a rare fusion of British cavalry tradition and the proud heritage of the Polish Armed Forces in exile, making it a sought-after piece for collectors of Allied and multinational WW2 insignia.

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