WWII British Expeditionary Force (BEF) 2nd Infantry Division Shield Plaque

An authentic piece of World War II military history: a hand-painted wooden commemorative shield plaque representing the British Army's 2nd Infantry Division during its deployment with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from 1939 to 1940.

The 2nd Infantry Division was one of the first regular army formations sent across the English Channel to stand against the German invasion of mainland Europe in late 1939.

As panzer divisions pushed through the lines in May 1940, the 2nd Division fought tenaciously during the Allied retreat.

They served as a crucial rearguard element, holding open the defensive lines to allow hundreds of thousands of Allied troops to safely evacuate the beaches of Dunkirk.

This hand-painted wooden shield plaque features the insignia of the British Army's 2nd Infantry Division.

The two white crossed keys on a black background represent the Crossed Keys of Saint Peter, which were adopted by the division in 1940.

The emblem was chosen by the commander at the time, Major General Henry Charles Loyd, and is derived from the coat of arms of the Diocese of York.

"2. I. D.": Stands for the 2nd Infantry Division.

"1939 - 1940": Marks the first period of active service during World War II, specifically covering the deployment to France, the subsequent fighting, and the eventual evacuation.

"B. E. F.": Stands for the British Expeditionary Force, the name of the British Army contingent sent to Europe during the opening stages of the war.

The back of this wooden shield provides valuable historical provenance.

The typed paper label reads:

• 2nd Infantry Division 

• Mjr Genl H. Lloyd 

• British Expeditionary Force, 1939 – 1940

• Property of H. Finlay

the shield is in an excellent vintage/antique condition.

The photographs are of the actual item and form part of the description. 

 Please examine the photographs carefully and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.