Branch Symbols
Branch symbols were used to indicate both generic unit branches and units of that type. Where applicable, the branch symbol was usually identical to weapon type symbol. A company was indicated by making the left-most vertical or diagonal line in the symbol wider. If more than one company was present, such as in a tank battalion, the company symbols were placed next to each other, with only the first company's left-most line being emphasized.
Generic Branch Symbols
| Tactical Symbol | German Designation | Unit Type |
|---|---|---|
 |
Infantrie | Infantry |
 |
Gebirgstruppe | Mountain troops |
 |
Kraftradschützen | Motorcycle infantry |
 |
Panzer | Armor |
 |
Panzerjäger | Anti-tank (early) |
 |
Panzerjäger | Anti-tank (late) |
 |
Kavallerie und Aufklärungstruppen | Cavalry and reconnaissance units (early) |
 |
Kavallerie und Aufklärungstruppen | Cavalry and reconnaissance units (late) |
 |
Kavallerie | Cavalry (late) |
 |
Radfahreinheiten | Bicycle units |
 |
Artillerie | Artillery |
 |
Fla- und Flak-Einheiten | Anti-aircraft |
 |
Nebeltruppe | Rocket artillery |
 |
Vermessungstruppe | Measuring troops |
 |
Pioniere | Engineers |
 |
Eisenbahnpioniere | Railroad engineers |
 |
Festungspioniere | Fortification engineers |
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Sources
- Gültigkeitsliste der Kriegsstärke- und Ausrüstungsnachweisungen. Berlin, 1939. 62 p. Besonderen Anlage 8 zum Mob. Man (Heer). NARA T78 R411 H 1/119.3.
- Muster für taktische Zeichen des Heeres. Berlin : Reichdruckerei, 1941. 176 p. H Dv 272.
- Gliederung der Hauptarten der fechtenden Heerestruppen (nur Anhalt). Berlin : Oberkommando des Heeres, 1945. 15 p. Generalstab des Heeres/Org. Abt. Nr. I/100/45 g.Kdos.. NARA T78 R411.