German map symbols?

[ropey]

Hi. Can anyone tell me what map symbol was used on German maps to depict a Kampfgruppe? Was it dependant on the size of the KG, or did they have a special symbol? And while we're on it, what symbol did the Allies use on their maps for a German KG?

[MeatEtr]

Ask and you shall receive.

German Army. The best Internet source for German WWII symbols are from Dr. Leo Niehorster’s website: World War II Armed Forces, Orders of Battle and Organizations.

Wehrmacht 1939 – 1940: http://niehorster.orbat.com/011_germ...ymbols_39.html

Wehrmacht 1941 – 1942: http://niehorster.orbat.com/011_germ...ymbols_41.html

Wehrmacht 1943 – 1945: http://niehorster.orbat.com/011_germ...ymbols_43.html

Wehrmacht Individual Figure Symbols: http://niehorster.orbat.com/011_germ...s_figures.html

Luftwaffe Organization Symbols:

http://niehorster.orbat.com/011_germ...luftwaffe.html

Luftwaffe 1941 – 1942:

http://niehorster.orbat.com/011_germ...ols_41-lw.html

Luftwaffe 1943 – 1945:

http://niehorster.orbat.com/011_germ...ols_43-lw.html

[ropey]

A useful site, but sadly I can't see any mention of a Kampfgruppe symbol on any of the pages (possibly because it's a temporary organisation?).

[RockinHarry]

that´s because a german Kampfgruppe can be anything from a reinforced company up to brigade size (or depleted division) and thus is presented by appropiate map symbols.

[ropey]

Ah, so a KG with a Regiment and a battalion from another div would have a Regiment symbol with the KG name. Would it have anything to denote the extra battalion? Anyone happen to have an actual map example?

[RockinHarry]

Ah, so a KG with a Regiment and a battalion from another div would have a Regiment symbol with the KG name. Would it have anything to denote the extra battalion? Anyone happen to have an actual map example?

Generally yes. AFAIK it´s oftenly way more simple, I´ve seen boxshaped or circular map symbols with a "KG" or "KGr" (Kampfgruppe - battlegroup) notation. Example "KGr 260. I.D" or "KG Peiper". The symbol roughly denotes the force size, in example 2x Inf. Btl. a Pak platoon and a Pionier platoon would have a regimental symbol. Remnants of a Division would have a divisional symbol, even if it´s just battailon size. However, I´ve not yet seen a general rule, with regard to german battle group symbols. Other related examples would be the german "Vorausabteilung" (advanced detachement) or "Marschkompanie" - "Marschbattailon" (march cpy / btl ). Map symbols would be similar to battle group, the force size/type symbol with a "VA" beside it or in case of the march cpy/btl a force symbol with "MK" (Marschkompanie) or "MB" (Marschbattailon).

http://www.axishistory.com/ gives various interesting search results (keyword kampfgruppe) for german battle group compositions, but no map symbols or examples.