What does the Totenkopf symbolize?

Totenkopf (German: [ˈtoːtn̩ˌkɔpf], i.e. skull, literally “dead person’s head”) is the German word for the skull and crossbones symbol. The “skull and crossbones” symbol is an old international symbol for death, the defiance of death, danger, or the dead, as well as piracy or toxicity.

Who designed the SS uniforms?

By the third quarter of 1932, the all-black SS uniform was designed by SS members Karl Diebitsch (artist) and Walter Heck (graphic designer). The Hugo Boss company was one of the companies that produced these black uniforms for the SS.

How many tanks are in a SS Panzer Division?

The Panzer brigade contained four battalions, each with a strength of 128 tanks. Counting command tanks, the division had some 561 in all, enough to satisfy even the most diehard tank fanatic.

What was the Totenkopfverbände?

The organization was part of the SS and aimed at guarding the concentration camps. After the establishment of the Waffen-SS a large number of the members of the Totenkopfverbände transferred to the SS-Totenkopfdivision, one of the strongest Waffen-SS units during World War II..

What is a Totenkopf cuff?

During this period, the entire division was authorized a cuff title which just said “Totenkopf” in plain letters. These were most common in the Panzergrenadier Regiments. The pointed style of shoulder board, the “Oberbayern” cuff title and the mirror collar tabs all ceased to be worn.

Why did the US Army stop using Totenkopf?

From 1940-1942, some men in the division wore “mirrored” collar tabs, which featured the Totenkopf on both sides. However, these were eventually phased out because you could not tell rank when the soldier was wearing the smock over his tunic.

What did the SS-Totenkopfstandarten wear?

SS-Totenkopfstandarten 1. ‘Oberbayern’ wore a cufftitle featuring a simple skull in the center. This cufftitle was popular in the division, and continued to be seen throughout the war. The three original SS-Totenkopfstandarten were formed into a division in 1939 following the invasion of Poland.