Balkenkreuz

The Balkenkreuz (lit. 'beam cross' or 'bar cross')^[1] is a straight-armed cross that was first introduced in 1916–1918 and later became the emblem of the Wehrmacht (German Armed Forces) and its branches from 1935 until the end of World War II. It was used by the Wehrmacht Heer (Army), Luftwaffe (Air Force), and Kriegsmarine (Navy).

^ "Dictionary of Vexillology: B (Banner Roll - Bauceant)". Dictionary of Vexillology. FOTW Flags Of The World. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2012.; etymologizing "balk cross" in "Dictionary of Vexillology: B (Backing - Banner of Victory)". Dictionary of Vexillology. FOTW Flags Of The World. Retrieved 19 August 2012. Cf. the erroneous rendition as "Balkan Cross" in Cochrane, John; Elliott, Stuart (1998). Military Aircraft Insignia of the World. Naval Institute Press. p. 50. ISBN 155750542X.

[1] "Dictionary of Vexillology: B (Banner Roll - Bauceant)". Dictionary of Vexillology. FOTW Flags Of The World. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2012.; etymologizing "balk cross" in "Dictionary of Vexillology: B (Backing - Banner of Victory)". Dictionary of Vexillology. FOTW Flags Of The World. Retrieved 19 August 2012. Cf. the erroneous rendition as "Balkan Cross" in Cochrane, John; Elliott, Stuart (1998). Military Aircraft Insignia of the World. Naval Institute Press. p. 50. ISBN 155750542X.

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