World War II Armed Forces – Orders of Battle and Organizations

Last Updated 01.05.04

German Army Individual Figure Symbols Key The basic symbols with a few examples are depicted here. Others use these basic symbols in combination, possibly enhanced by abbreviations.

   

Abbreviations used with Individual Figure Symbols

There was no really fixed use of abbreviations, and, as with all abbreviations, it is helpful to observe where it is used and what billet it might represent. If a billet held a certain title, but the symbol was insufficiently clear, an abbreviation was added. In other cases, the symbol itself was unable to depict all characteristics of the position, and the abbreviations were used to define the missing ones.

Adj B Be Beob Bl EM F Fe Fhr Ft Fu G Gas GewF H H K Kf L M Meß Mot Mun	Adjudant Fahnenschmied Beamte Beobachtung Blinker Entfernungsmesser Feuermeister Fernsprecher Führer Futter Funker Gerät Gasschutz Gewehrfüher Handwerker Hauptfeldwebel Koch Kraftfahr Ladeschütze Melder Messdienst Motorenschlosser Munition	Adjutant Farrier / Horse Smith Government Service Official Observation Flash Signaler Distance Measurer Exposives Specialist Telephoneman / Wireman Leader Fodder Radio Man Equipment Gas Protection Gun Team Leader Craftsman Company First Sergeant Cook Motor Loader Messenger Measurer Motor Mechanic Ammunition		N o.O. Ord Pf Pi R R S S San Schir Schr Schn Schu Sat Stell St V Vet W WF Wm Zahl	Nachrichten Ordennanz Offizier Ordennanz Pferdehalter Pionier Rechnungsführer Richtkreis Scherenfernrohr Schirrmeister Sanitäts Schirrmeister Schreiber Schneider Schuh Sattler Stellmacher Stellung Verpflegung Veterinär Waffen Waffenführer Waffenmeister Zahlmeister	Signal Aid (-de-Camp) Orderly Groom / Horse Holder Pioneer / Engineer Accounts Clerk Direction Finder Scissors Telescope Foreman (alternate) Medical / Medic Foreman / Technical Sergeant Clerk Tailor Cobbler Saddle Maker Wheelwright Ranging Commissary / Rations Veterinary Armorer Weapon Commander Master Armorer Paymaster
The symbols were used to define billets (positions / slots). Not ranks. For details, see also: Military Personnel Billet Groups, Functions, and Ranks Discussed Military Personnel Job Descriptions