Uniforms of Polish Cavalry. The tall, top-square shako was called czapka or rogatywka and was a traditional headwear in the Polish army. The edges of the top were reinforced with yellow metal. White cords (red for elite companies) hung from corner to corner.

Breeches were white and worn with calf-high, black boots. Gold, French style epaulets and a brass gorget, with the white Polish eagle were also worn. Uniform Distinctions of the Polish Infantry Regiments of the V Corps in the 1812 Russian Campaign

Polish Infantry. Weapons, Uniforms and Organization. The Polish infantry maneuvered more swiftly than the French infantry (according to Lejeune). In terms of marksmanship, although the Poles were better marksmen than the French they had worse weapons.

Uniforms. The Vistula Uhlans wore dark blue uniforms of light cavalry. The short-tailed dark blue coat was called kurtka and had yellow lapels and yellow shoulder straps.

The first model of czapka for the 1st.Reg of Light Horse was that worn by the Polish Honour Guard on Napoleon’s entry into Warsaw in 1806. Two exhibits exist from this period, one in the Polish Army Museum in Warsaw and the other in the National museum in Poznan.

While many Polish troops had fought for France during the early period of the Napoleonic Wars it was not until 1807 after the Treaty of Tilsit that the Grand Duchy of Warsaw was formed by Napoleon I of France. It was a distinctly Polish state formed from Polish lands ceded by the Kingdom of Prussia.

approximately 6,000 light cavalry. The condition of the Polish troops was said however to be excellent, well supplied and well quartered, as well receiving new uniforms, including, interestingly, new czapkas.

specializes in publications dedicated to the history of Polish troops fighting in Napoleonic campaigns with an emphasis on their military uniforms

The Polish Foot Artillery wore a similar uniform to the horse batteries. Green breaches were worn with (black?) gaiters, red epaulettes were worn at the shoulder. The fatigue coat was green throughout, the bonnet de police was green piped yellow.