German-Russian volunteer Ukrainian/YBB Legion cap cockade
These badges were all found at the same place. The guy who found them said the following:
"I found all the cockades and Jäger badges north of Berlin in a former camp. I suspect that since there were a large number, they should probably be passed on to the Cossacks and Eastern front units. But then the war ended, and everything was hidden. "
These badges were worn on the Ubanka(Typical Cossack fur cap), see attached picture. Could also be worn on a visor cap or side cap. They were always sewn in place and you can see the 4 holes meant for that purpose.
These were used together with their "German "uniform with special insignia and the well known cloth patch we is much more commonly encountered.
These cockades are extremely hard to find, if you ever find them most are newly painted.
Condition is good with almost complete paint. Stamped iron.
Roughly 35 x 25 mm.
HISTORY;
The Ukrainian Liberation Army (Ukrainian: Українське Визвольне Військо, УВВ; Ukrainske Vyzvolne Viysko, UVV) was an umbrella organization created in 1943, providing collective name for all Ukrainian units serving with the German Army during World War II. A single formation by that name did not exist. The designation was used by Ukrainian nationalists in reference to a number of companies and local Ostbataillonen of Hiwi volunteers desiring to free their own territories from the Soviet rule. They included enlisted Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) of the Red Army.
The core of the Liberation Army wearing the УВВ sleeve badge originated from the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Ukrainian) reorganized in April 1945 into the Ukrainian National Army (UNA) active until the German surrender in May 1945.
