The SHAEF Armband: A Rare Wartime Survivor

Among the many artefacts of the Second World War, few are as rare—or as evocative—as this original SHAEF “Combattant Volontaire” armband, issued between 1943 and 1945 by the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) in Northwest Europe.

Made in blue fabric with a striking red and white Flaming Sword of Liberty—the formation sign of SHAEF—this armband was worn by official guides, translators, intelligence officers, and liaison agents advancing with the Allied troops. The letters “AEF” stand for Allied Expeditionary Force, while the French inscription “Combattant Volontaire” translates to “Volunteer Fighter”—a testament to the bravery of those who aided the liberation effort.

Unlike more common printed variants, this example follows the more complex method of red and blue print on a white base, a distinguishing feature of original Second World War armbands. Given its historical significance and scarcity, an authentic piece like this usually commands a value of several hundred pounds—if you’re lucky enough to find one!