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Monday, February 10, 2025

Vintage Military - Part 69

Narcyz Witczak-Witaczyński, part 1

Narcyz Witczak-Witaczyński, 1898-1943, (above) was one of Poland's most popular photojournalists.  During World War I he fought against Germany in the Polish cavalry.  He was captured and conscripted by the Bolsheviks, but he escaped and then fought against the Bolsheviks.  After the war he served in the cavalry of the new nation of Poland.

Today we see photos by Witczak-Witaczyński documenting Poland's 1st Cavalry Regiment between World War I and World War II.

Above, the 1st Cavalry Regiment crossing a river, probably the Vistula, in 1926.  The cavalry soldiers very sensibly did not wear uniforms when they were in the river.

Crossing the river.

On the beach of the river, probably the Vistula.

The rest of these photos date from between 1926 and 1931.  Above, the 1st Cavalry Regiment crossing the river.

Crossing the river.

Crossing the river.

The 1st Cavalry Regiment.

Washing the horses.

We end with a portrait of one of the 1st Cavalry Regiment soldiers.  From his apparent age, I'm guessing he was an officer.

Next time: More photos by Narcyz Witczak-Witaczyński.

7 comments:

Big Dude said...

I like the relaxed attitude about being naked in military situations. I had a photo of my dad and his buddies stripped, swimming in a hot spring in Iceland in WWII. It was all hanging out, nobody seemed to care. Now, with females in the military, I doubt if that would fly.

whkattk said...

Back in the day...when men weren't afraid of other men seeing their dicks.

Anonymous said...

Also loved everyone being comfortable being naked together and it not being an issue. And nice to see the guys nude in horseback and washing to horse and leading the horses nude. Wonderful and special look back in time.

SickoRicko said...

These are really neat!

jimboylan2 said...

The horses are also nude, they're being ridden barebacked!

Ike said...

If they are crossing and not getting their uniforms wet then who or what is carrying their uniforms?

Unashamed Male said...

@Ike - Presumably the uniforms were taken across on a boat. I found some photos of the officers crossing on a boat, fully dressed, so it seems that only the enlisted men rode the horses across naked.