In some pictures of the GrossDeutschland division in Russia, the recce battalion units seem to have motorcycle messenger symbols (X in a circle with a spur on the upper right) on their Sd.Kfz 250s and Sd. Kfz. 222/223 and 232/263s. Does anyone know why these units would have this tactical symbol rather than standard recce symbols?
Thanks,
Larry
It sounds like the German Motorcycle reconnaissance unit symbol.
http://niehorster.orbat.com/011_germany/symbols/_symbols_43.html
I am not allowed to post links yet (still a newbie), but here are a few Bundesarchiv IDs:
Deutsches Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-792-0138-19A
Deutsches Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-792-0138-18A
Deutsches Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-748-0100A-19
Deutsches Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-748-0100A-17
Sorry, forgot to add. I agree it is the motorcycle messenger and/or reconnaissance symbol. In most of the pictures there are no motorcycles, though.
I think I am now able to post links so here are the ones I am looking at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/deckarudo/5937218356/in/set-72157624361098504/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/deckarudo/5936660723/in/set-72157624361098504/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/deckarudo/5937221168/in/set-72157624361098504/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/deckarudo/5937221284/in/set-72157624361098504/
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung “Großdeutschland” (armoured recce battalion) was formed on January 14, 1943 out of the Kradschützen-Bataillon “Großdeutschland” (motorcycle battalion). The unit kept the old tactical signs for their halftracks.
Thanks FTG! Suspected you would have the answer!