 In December 1939, following the outbreak of the Second World War, Eastwood was appointed General Officer Commanding of the 59th (Staffordshire) Infantry Division, a command he held until 31 May 1940.He was briefly given command of the 18th Infantry Division, before taking on the role of Chief of Staff in the short-lived Second British Expeditionary Force.Following his return to the United Kingdom, he was given command of the 4th Infantry Division.