Description
Physical description
badge
rectangular red cloth patch (H 2.6in x W 2.3in) with black printed rhino's head (facing left) within a black circle.
Label
Second World War British Commonwealth formation badge for 11th (East African) Division. The double-horned rhino adopted by the division was only found in East Africa and in particular in Kenya and Tanganyika. When 21 (East African) Infantry Brigade arrived in Ceylon it featured a whole rhino on its badge motif, but had to abandon it as 1st Armoured Division's badge was very similar. Ceylon Army Command sanctioned the division's new badge on 23 August 1943.
Formation note: Divisional HQ was formed in East Africa on 15 February 1943 and took command of the formation on 17 May, except for 21st East African Brigade Group which was stationed in Ceylon. The Division transferred to Ceylon at the end of June 1943 and took the 21st Brigade under command in July. The units making up the Division came from the King's African Rifles and 1st Northern Rhodesia Regiment. The whole Division transferred to Burma at the beginning of June 1944 and came under command of 14th Army. Under that command it took part in the strenuous and difficult jungle fighting for the liberation of Burma. The Division was withdrawn to India in April 1945.
History note
See TNA WO 203/1103
Cole states that this sign was originally on an oval buff ground.
Divisional HQ was formed in East Africa on 15 February 1943 and took command of the formation on 17 May, except for 21st East African Brigade Group, which was stationed in Ceylon. The Division transferred to Ceylon at the end of June 1943 and took 21st Brigade under command in July. The units making up the Division came from the King's African Rifles and 1st Northern Rhodesia Regiment.
The whole Division transferred to Burma at the beginning of June 1944 and came under command of 14th Army. Under that command it took part in the hard jungle fighting for the liberation of Burma. It was withdrawn to India in April 1945.
(Notes cut from 'Date Record Amended' Field as computer refused to recognise when amended.
LOC : AJ : 16/Mar/1999; LOC : AJ : 19/Apr/1999).