Use of the Death Head and the Swastika by other Nations and Races
Interesting tidbits about the totenkopf and the swastika. Didn't know about the WW1 usage of the totenkopf but the swastika has been around for centuries in Germany. I have seen a symbol on Chinese Mausers that looks like a swastika with the hooks pointing in the opposite direction, no idea what it means.
I get a chuckle out of the Master Race choosing the swastika as their symbol. Its been around so long and use by so many different races and peoples: ancient Slavs (the Nazi Germany's feared 'Untermensch'), Hopi Indians in North America, and I believe its a Sanskrit symbol in Hindu India. And of course the Finns and Poles in 1930s. Amongst others.
The 2nd Podhale Rifles Regiment (Polish Mountain Troops) wore swastikas as collar insignia on their uniforms. The belt buckle of the 4th Polish Legion has swastika at each corner.
Collar insignia for 2nd Podhale Rifles Regiment (Apologies for the scale of the pic)
2nd Podhale Rifles Regiment parade thru Sanok, Poland in 1936. Note swastikas along the parade route.
2nd Podhale Rifles Regiment reenactors Sanok, Poland 2010.
4th Polish Legion buckle (modern reproduction). The 4th Polish Legion fought during the Polish Soviet War of 1919-1921.
As for the Death Head emblem....
It was used by the Czech Legion 1st Independent Storm (Shock) Battalion during the Russian Civil War.
Czech Legion 1st Independent Storm (Shock) Battalion flag and Stormtrooper Insignia on sleeve.
Czech Legion 1st Independent Storm (Shock) Battalion Insignia.
It was also used on a unit flag belonging to the White Army (Бѣлая Армiя/Белая Армия) of Admiral Kolchak in Siberia.
This UNR Armoured Car also bore the Death Head's emblem during the Ukrainian War of Indepenence in the aftermath of the break up of the Tsarist Empire during the Russian Civil War.
The Death’s Head emblem was used by two Polish cavalry units during the War for Polish Independence - the Dywizjon Jazdy Ochotniczej (Death Hussars) and the Poznański Ochotniczy Batalion Śmierci (Poznan Death Battalion).
Poznański Ochotniczy Batalion Śmierci (Poznan Death Battalion) - old copy
Polish General Bulak-Balachowicz wore the Death’s Head emblem on his sheepskin wool hat. The Cross of Bulak-Balachowicz, which was awarded by the General to his soldiers for bravery during the Polish Soviet War, also had a Death Head in its center.
General Bulak-Balachowicz