Cavalry captain Antoni Tomkowicz,

    In the home garrisons, the brigade units trained soldiers intensively, especially as many reservists who reached a high level of proficiency in summer and autumn left after partial demobilisation.

    The photograph DRM-589 dates back to 1938–1939. Photo DRM-589 shows 2 officers of 10th Mounted Riflemen Regiment (first from the left, cavalry captain Antoni Tomkowicz, commander of 1st squadron), both wearing black leather jackets model 36, helmets model 16, the cavalry captain holds it in his hand. The uniforms and equipment are complemented by motorbike goggles, binoculars worn on the right side and holsters (VIS pistol) worn on the left side as Germans did. The Germans named the brigade Schwarze Brigade (Black Brigade) after these distinctive uniform elements and in recognition of its bravery in 1939. In 1940, general W. Sikorski granted all soldiers of 10th Armoured Brigade (10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade and later 1st Armoured Division) the privilege of wearing a black left shoulder board for their achievements and conduct during the 1939 Campaign.

Przemysław Kucia