In 1939, following the German invasion of Poland, the United Kingdom declared war in support of the latter and entered the Second World War. The division, now styled as an infantry division, saw combat in France in 1940. After the British Army's defeat, the division returned to and defended the United Kingdom. It was then transferred to India, following the Empire of Japan's entry into the war. The division then fought in India and Burma in 1944 and 1945.