Formation Sign - 7th Australian Division, World War 2
During World War 2, each Australian military vehicle normally carried a formation sign, usually of the Division to which they were permanently attached. The sign was affixed to the front nearside (left) bumper, or close to it, such as a forward facing wing, and in a prominent position at the rear, also on the nearside. It was 9 inches square normally a white stencil on a black background. The Divisional insignia of the 7th Australian Division was a kookaburra perched on a boomerang.
The 7th Division was an infantry division of the Australian Army in World War 2. In February 1940, it was formed in Palestine and Australia as a formation of the Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF).
Following reorganisations, the Division deployed to North Africa with portions taking part in the siege of Tobruk from May to August 1941.
The Division formed spearheaded the invasion of Lebanon and Syria against the Vichy French in mid- 1941 including the capture of Damascus.
In March 1942, the Division returned to Australia. In the New Guinea campaigns of 1942 Division divided between Milne Bay, and Kokoda campaigns ending at Buna / Gona.
In 1943 Division participated in Ramu Valley, Markham Valley and Shaggy Ridge operations.
After returning to Australia to train in amphibious operations, the Division last saw action in Borneo as part of Operation Oboe at Balikpapan.
Details
Details
The standard reference is the 1997 monograph Formation signs and vehicle markings of the Australian Army 1903-1983 by Stephen Craig Taubert.
The marking of military equipment is not a new phenomena. A broad arrow, is a stylised representation of a metal arrowhead, comprising a tang and two barbs meeting at a point. It is a symbol used traditionally in heraldry, and later by the British government to mark government property.
The broad arrow was used in England from the early 14th century, and more widely from the 16th century, to mark objects purchased from the monarch's money, or to indicate government property. It became particularly associated with the Board of Ordnance, and later the War Department and the Ministry of Defence. It was exported to other parts of the British Empire, where it was used in similar official contexts.
The use of markings on Australian military vehicles expanded and became more sophisticated following the mass production and mechanization of armies. During World War 2, Australian military vehicles carried a wide variety of markings including the vehicle registration number, bridge classification, a Tactical (Tac) sign indicating the vehicles roll, a unit sign and a Division/Formation sign and many more.
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
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