Product Description

WW2 British officers' khaki bush shirt, in a large size, in excellent condition. Designed for practicality in warm climates, 

The shirt features Lieutenant’s insignia pips on both epaulettes, denoting its rank designation. Enhancing its provenance, it bears the distinctive 56th Armoured Division formation badges on both shoulders, representing the renowned "Black Cats" Division. Additionally, the shirt is adorned with WW2 Queen’s Westminster cloth shoulder title badges on both arms, marking its association with one of Britain’s prestigious territorial units.

This rare combination of original insignia and badges offers a compelling connection to the officers who served in critical campaigns of the war. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts, this bush shirt is a remarkable artifact reflecting the service and heritage of British forces in World War II.

Designed for use in warm climates, the shirt's lightweight khaki material and functional design highlight its practicality for British officers stationed in demanding environments. Whether you're a collector, historian, or enthusiast, this piece offers a tangible link to the bravery and service of British officers in the 56th Armoured Division during World War II.

The Queen’s Westminsters, originally a volunteer battalion, played a pivotal role during World War II. At the outbreak of the war in 1939, the unit expanded to form a duplicate battalion. The original battalion became the 1st Battalion, later converted to a motor battalion in 1940, a specialized infantry unit adapted for mobility. In 1941, it was re-titled as the 11th (Queen’s Westminsters) Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, while the duplicate battalion became the 12th (Queen’s Westminsters) Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps.

The 11th Westminsters saw extensive service during the war, beginning with their assignment to the 24th Armoured Brigade. In mid-1942, they participated in the North African Campaign, taking part in the Allied offensive at the Second Battle of El Alamein against the renowned Afrika Korps led by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. Following the victory at El Alamein, the battalion pursued retreating Axis forces during the Tunisia Campaign, later serving under the 23rd Armoured Brigade after the disbandment of their original brigade.

In 1943, the 11th Westminsters joined the Allied invasion of Sicily, which commenced on 10 July. Their role was critical in securing the island, a stepping stone for the campaign on mainland Italy. The battalion continued fighting on the Italian Front into 1944, enduring challenging conditions and contributing to the broader Allied efforts to weaken Axis resistance in southern Europe.

In late 1944, the battalion shifted its focus to the politically volatile situation in Greece. In December, they were deployed to Athens to assist in quelling a Communist uprising amid the Greek Civil War. Their efforts were instrumental in stabilizing the region, culminating in the signing of a cease-fire on 11 January 1945.

The 12th Westminsters, meanwhile, served primarily in a training and defense capacity within the United Kingdom, ensuring the preparedness of troops for overseas deployments.

Throughout the war, the Queen’s Westminsters demonstrated adaptability and resilience, transitioning from traditional infantry roles to motorized and armored operations. Their contributions were significant in multiple theaters, from the deserts of North Africa to the mountainous terrain of Italy and the politically complex environment of post-occupation Greece. This history underscores their pivotal role in the broader Allied victory.

The 56th (London) Infantry Division, also known as "The Black Cats" due to its distinctive divisional insignia, played a vital role in World War II. Formed in 1908 as part of the Territorial Army, it was mobilized in 1939 and saw extensive action during the war.

In 1942, the division deployed to North Africa, participating in the Tunisian Campaign, contributing to the defeat of Axis forces. It then played a crucial role in the Italian Campaign, landing at Salerno in September 1943 as part of Operation Avalanche. The division fought in challenging conditions, advancing through Italy, including battles at Monte Camino and the Gothic Line.

In 1944, the division was temporarily sent to Greece to stabilize the country during the civil unrest, before returning to Italy. Known for its resilience and effectiveness, the 56th Division's service across multiple theaters solidified its reputation as a formidable fighting force.