WWII Polish Anti-Aircraft Artillery Badge – PSZ in the West 1940–1947 – Original w/ Backplate & Felt
Original Polish Anti-Aircraft Artillery badge awarded to soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces in the West (Polskie Siły Zbrojne na Zachodzie – PSZ) during the years 1940–1947.
This is a one-piece brass badge, anufactured in the United Kingdom, featuring an elliptical shape with two anti-aircraft guns pointing upward. Between the barrels is the raised abbreviation “Art. Pl”, denoting Artyleria Przeciwlotnicza (Anti-Aircraft Artillery).
A stylized laurel wreath encircles the badge, topped with a flying eagle whose wings curve around the upper portion of the wreath – a powerful symbol of the Polish armed forces in exile.
Era: 1940–1947 (Polish Armed Forces in the West – WWII and postwar period)
Country: Poland (in exile, under Allied command)
Branch: Anti-Aircraft Artillery
Material: One-piece die-struck brass
Size (approx.): 39.46 mm x 28.14 mm
Design Details: Two AA guns, “Art. Pl” abbreviation, laurel wreath, crowned with a flying eagle
Reverse: Die-struck counter, two original loops, original green felt backing and brass washer
Mounting: Includes original split pin and backplate
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. See photos for detailed visual reference.
Historical Context:
This badge was worn by members of Polish anti-aircraft artillery units formed abroad after Poland’s defeat in 1939. These units became part of the Polish Armed Forces in the West and served valiantly alongside the British and Allies in North Africa, Italy, France, and Western Europe. The badge was produced during exile, most likely in the UK, to maintain Polish military traditions and distinction in the field.
An authentic, complete, and well-preserved WWII-era badge of the Free Polish Forces. Rarely found with all original components intact, including the felt backing and brass washer. A must-have for collectors of Polish militaria, WWII badges, or Allied forces memorabilia.