A attractive - full matching - set of embroided 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division (he Tyne & Tees Division)

This is a attractive - full matching - set of embroided 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division (the Tyne & Tees Division) shoulder badges. The badge represented the Tyne and the Tees and the Humber, the three rivers in the Division's recruitment area. The "H" was formed by the inter-linked letters "T" if looked at sideways. It was designed by Colonel J. M. Grant who was a staff captain at Divisional HQ in 1938 - 1939. A first line Territorial Division in the UK, organized as a Motor Division. A Motor Division was intended to operate in a mobile role and as such had just two brigades rather than the usual three and a matching reduction in the number of supporting arms, for example, only two field regiments and RE squadrons rather than three. It was also to have two troop carrying companies RASC attached to carry the infantry. In place of a divisional cavalry regiment of light tanks and carriers, Motor Divisions had a motor cycle reconnaissance battalion. 50th Division fought very effectively with the BEF in 1940 and formed the basis for the so-called Arras counter-attack on 21 May. In June 1940 the Division was re-organized in the UK as a standard infantry division and fought as such for the remainder of its active service. It fought with 8th Army in the Western Desert and into Sicily before being recalled to the UK to prepare for the invasion of NWE. It was selected as one of the assault divisions for D Day and formed the right flank of the British forces, with 3 Canadian Division on its left. The Division was recalled to the UK in November 1944 and reorganized as a Reserve Division. Although the Division as a whole was removed from the order of battle many of its personnel were drafted to other formations to make up some of the manpower shortages by this time becoming a major problem in 21 Army Group. The Divisional Engineers stayed in North West Europe as GHQ Troops Engineers. 74th Field Regiment also stayed, being transferred to 49th Division and permitted to carry the TT on the Polar Bear badge. 524 Company RASC (151 Brigade Company) also continued to wear the TT badge when they were retained in theatre and became a General Transport Company, wearing the badge on their vehicles during their time as part of the occupation forces in Berlin. In August 1945 Divisional HQ ceased to command its formations and units when it moved, with some Divisional troops, to Norway as HQ British Land Forces Norway. The Division was reformed as a TA formation when the TA was recreated in May 1947.

Code: 52117