|
The Totenkopf (German for Dead Man's Head) is a military insignia featuring a skull above crossed bones. Today the insignia is particularly associated with Nazi Germany and with elite soldiers who served in the SS or the Wehrmacht, but it has its origins in cavalry of the Prussian army.
The Totenkopf, which can be distinguished from the traditional skull and cross bones or Jolly Roger by the fact that the bones are positioned directly behind the skull and that the lower jaw bone is absent, was originally worn by the 1st and 2nd Bodyguard Hussars. In 1933 it was worn by the regimental staff and the 1st, 5th, and 11th squadrons of the 5th Cavalry Regiment.
External links
|
