A nice un-issued Guards Armoured Divisional formation sign

This is a nice un-issued Guards Armoured Divisional formation sign. The Second World War sign was a somewhat simplified version of the sign worn by the Guards Division during the First World War. The original badge was designed by Major Sir Eric Avery (who commanded the Divisional MT Company) and the Second World War version was chosen from a number of designs painted on divisional vehicles by Rex Whistler, who was serving in the 2 Welsh Guards, Divisional Armoured Recce. unit. The sign represents the eye of vigilance, red and blue being the Household Brigade colours. The Division was formed in September 1941 under command of Maj. Gen. Sir Oliver Leese. Maj. Gen. Sir Alan Adair took command in September 1942 and remained in command until the end of the war.. The Division became part of 21 Army Group for the invasion of Europe, Operation Overlord. It landed in Normandy as part of VIII Corps and fought at Caen and Falaise. After the breakout at the end of July 1944 it took part in the dash to the Seine and was later the first formation to enter Brussels in September. It crossed the Rhine under XII Corps and fought its way to Bremen and Cuxhaven. After the armistice the Division moved to the Rhineland, where it had been in occupation at the end of the previous war. In June 1945 it was converted to an infantry division and became part of BAOR.

Code: 51044