The Polish II Corps was created in 1943 from various units fighting alongside the Allies in all theatres of war.

The 2nd Corp badge is shield-shaped depicting a Mermaid from the Arms of the City of Warsaw.

The 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division was formed in the Middle East from Polish units fighting in Egypt and Tobruk, as well as the Polish Army in the East that was evacuated from the Soviet Union through the  Persian Corridor.

 In February 1944 Polish II Corps was transferred from Egypt to Italy, where it became an independent part of the British Eight Army, under Lt Gen Sir Oliver Leese. During 1944–45 the Corps fought with distinction in the Italian Campaign most notably during the fourth and last Battle of Monte Cassino in May 1944, the Battle of Anaona during Operation Olive the fighting on the Gothic Line in September 1944 and the Battle of Bologna during the in Italy March 1945.