The Division was nicknamed the red eagles as a result of the formation badge. The first badges worn in North Africa were 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. According to the Divisional History: 'The War Office, curiously enough, has no record of the origin of the Red Eagle. It was the custom of units at this stage to select their own signs, afterwards submitting them for approval. There are a number of theories of origin: that the first design was taken from a newspaper advertisement, from a beer bottle label, that it was drawn by one Private Page, a clerk in 'Q' Branch, that the colour was chosen because of General Scarlett's [first Divisional Commander] name. At a later date General Tuker personally improved the design of the eagle.' Elements of the Fourth Indian Division left India for Egypt in 1939. The formation fought in the Western Desert Force at Sidi Barrani. It was then withdrawn to East Africa, where, together with 5th Indian Division was instrumental in the defeat of the Italians at Keren. The Division returned to North Africa bar 5th Indian Brigade which took part in operations against the Vichy French forces in Syria. The whole Division took part in Operation Crusader in November 1941. In April 1942, the Division was withdrawn from the Desert, one brigade going to Cyprus, one to Palestine and the third to the Canal Zone. The Division was later reformed and took part in the early stages of El Alamein, but in November was withdrawn from offensive operations to do battlefield salvage. The Division was in action again at the Mareth Line and fought at Wadi Akarit. It then joined First Army for the remainder of the campaign in North Africa. The formation disembarked at Taranto on 8 December 1943 and in Spring 1944 took part in the fighting at Cassino. The Division was the first to break the Gothic Line in August. It was then transferred to Greece for aid to civil power duties until return to India in early 1946. It was redesignated Punjab Boundary Force in July 1947 and was disbanded in September.
