WW2 Polish Badge of Work Battalions under Vichy (Southern France)

Badge of in the form of a stylized Polish crowned eagle sitting on a pick-axe and a shovel. Around a laurel and oak leaves and dates 1940-42. 

 On the reverse the maker “A Augis, Lyon” and number “3680” and a brass pin.

 The “Work Battalions” were formed in Southern France under the Vichy government. These Polish soldiers which did not manage to escape to the United Kingdom or Middle East were formed to become a labour unit. However most of the soldiers deserted to join the Free Polish Forces.