Spaten - BEF model 39 entrenching tool

[Austrian]

Great that you found the marking!
So for me it is clearly a british pattern 39 shovel which was used by the dutch in postwar times.

The marking on the wooden handle is for sure "RP 32"
Look here: Four Bees: British Patern 1939 Entrenching Tool, Shovel Spade, 1940 John Perks with Broad Arrow, RP 32, Pat. 39 Canvas Carrier, Implement, Entrenching, 1939 Pattern, Dutch Reddingsploeg

Best regards,
Austrian

[Neil Hever]

Well Austrian - that nails it down! Excellent sourcing. So the shovel I have is an original "BEF" example re-issued after the war to the Dutch Reddingsploeg. Thanks for the input and helping me solve this mystery. Cheers, Neil