WW2 4th Indian Division Hand Made Felt Formation Sign, 1st Pattern

Although this badge was sanctioned in October 1942, this is one of the consignment of hand-made signs provided by the Punjab War Purposes Fund which reached the Division whilst still in North Africa in February 1943. It is supposed to depict a red eagle, side-on. on a black rectangle. A beak and eye has been picked on in black thread. The Division was nicknamed the 'Red Eagles' as a consequence of the distinctive emblem of the bird of prey on its badge. This is one of the first badges worn in North Africa and given by the women of the Punjab, instigated by the then Prime Minister, Sir Sikander Hyat Khan, who visited the Division in the Middle East.Some mothing to the red felt otherwise in poor to fair condition.BoBD (Jon Mills), similar to figure 2410.Comm MaWi (42)