Offered at Piers Motley (18% buyer’s premium) in Exmouth on May 3, it comprised War Medal, France and Germany Star, Polish airborne jump wings with combat wreath, Polish forces in exile cap badge, Polish wound badge bar, ‘sweetheart’ cigarette case, photographs and a war album Wspomnien Spadochroniarza Go! (Remember the paratrooper) from 1947.
Second World War Polish paratrooper medals and ephemera – £7600 at Piers Motley.
The jump badge – Znak Spadochronowy, attacking/ swooping eagle – was worn by soldiers who qualified as paratroopers. The 1st Polish Independent Parachute brigade was formed in 1941 in the UK. Those who saw action, such as Arnhem, were given a wreath to go with the badge.
The serial number to the wreath is 1451, that to the eagle 4221.
The group came from a local vendor and was bought by private UK collector via a phone bid.
