*British, WW2, Eighth Army "Crusader Shield" Formation Sign Shoulder Slides Pair – North Africa Campaign*
An original matched pair of British World War II Eighth Army formation sign shoulder epaulette slides, retaining the famous "Crusader Shield" insignia associated with one of Britain's most celebrated wartime formations. Each slide displays the distinctive embroidered yellow cross upon a white shield, mounted against a dark navy blue felt backing and sewn onto khaki drill slip-on shoulder titles intended for wear over uniform epaulettes.
The Eighth Army served as Britain's principal field force in the North African campaign and fought some of the war's most famous actions against Axis forces under Rommel. Raised in 1941, the formation became synonymous with the campaigns in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and later Italy. The shield device became one of the most recognisable British formation signs of the war and was proudly worn by troops serving under the Eighth Army command structure. Following the war, a similar insignia continued in use with Headquarters British Troops Austria, although examples mounted on khaki drill shoulder slides such as these are strongly associated with wartime service wear.
The construction displays classic wartime characteristics, with separately applied embroidered insignia over wool felt and khaki drill slide backs. The pair exhibits honest age and service wear throughout.
Approx. Measurements – 6.2cm x 5.2cm each.
History Note:
Field Marshal Montgomery's Eighth Army became one of the most famous Allied formations of the Second World War, particularly after victory at El Alamein in 1942. Soldiers from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and numerous Allied nations served under its command. The Crusader Shield became a symbol of that multinational force and remains one of the most instantly recognisable British formation signs of the conflict.
*Condition*
Original service-used condition displaying age and wear throughout. Felt edges show period fraying and handling wear with minor losses visible to the blue backing. Khaki drill slides remain intact with staining and service age present. A good untouched pair with attractive wartime character. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAEXCO_7817241691
