Description
Physical description
badge
A red four-pointed star let into a khaki-drill surround.
History note
The origins of the sign are not known. It is also not clear which formation in the complicated history of 6th and 70th Divisions in its various incarnations was the first to adopt this sign.
A 7th Infantry Division under Major-General Richard O'Connor, with just one brigade (19th) and the Greys and 56 Field Coy. RE as Divisional Troops, was, until the end of August 1939, on internal security duties in Palestine. Divisional HQ gave up command of these troops at the end of August 1939 and moved, via Cairo, to Mersa Matruh where on 7 September 1939 it took command of all troops in that area, except the armoured division, and established the 'Bagush Box'. On 3 November 1939 the formation was redesignated 6th Division.
Between 13 March and 7 June 1940, Divisional HQ moved back to Palestine to take command of units and formations already there. It returned to the Western Desert and on 8 June again took command of all troops in the area. On 17 June it was redesignated HQ Western Desert Force and the Division ceased to exist.
On 17 February 1941 a new 6th Division was reformed in Egypt. It moved to Syria in June and took part in the battle for Damascus against Vichy French forces. It is possible that the Sign was adopted at this point.
On 10 October 1941 the Division was redesignated 70th Division for security reasons and between 13 and 20 October 1941 transferred by sea to the fortress of Tobruk to relieve the garrison, the 9th Australian Division. The Division retained its divisional sign, although the same sign was also worn for a brief period, again for deception purposes, by elements of 6th Australian Division in Syria. The Division fought in the breakout from Tobruk in November 1941 after which it was withdrawn into reserve.
In March 1942 the Division transferred to India as part of the build-up of forces to meet the threat of Japanese invasion. On 6 September 1943 the Division began to reorganize for the role of 'long range penetration' and on 25 October it handed over the reorganized units to 3rd Indian Division, or 'Special Force', known as the Chindits.
Divisional HQ ceased to function on that date and was finally disbanded on 24 November 1943.
Ink stamped onto reverse of badge.
2 in a box.
