British WW2 47th (London) Infantry Division Formation patch
2nd Pattern Rectangular, circa 50x40 mm.
Removed from uniform but in very good condition. The red bells on a black background. Finely woven in silk.
The badge symbolised the Bow Bells of London. It was probably adopted in 1940 when formation signs were authorised. Prior to 1936 there were two London TA Divisions, 56th (1st London) and 47th (2nd London). The latter was made up of County of London Territorials. With the conversion of many TA infantry units to AA units, 47/2 London ceased to exist in 1936. In 1939 a new 2nd London Division was formed as a duplicate of 1st London Division when the TA was doubled. It formed as a Motor Division, that is with just two infantry brigades, field regiments etc., but with integral troop carrying capacity. In June 1940 the Division was reorganized as an ordinary infantry division with the addition of 25 Infantry Brigade following the latter's evacuation from France. On 21 November 1940 the Division was redesignated 47th (London) Division. On 1 December 1941 it was placed on lower establishment and on 1 September 1944 it was reorganized as 47th Infantry (Reserve) Division.
