Swastika as military symbol around the world

[AndresT]

Hi! Swastika is a ancient symbol whose reputation was ruined by Nazis. It was used in many Armies around the world. It was also symbol of the luck.

 

Latvia and Finland have used this symbol a lot. It was their aviation symbol too.

Some examples from Latvia:

Different army units. Mostly greated 1919-1921

More here http://uniformologija.lv/izvelne/vecas-latvijas-armijas-krusu-nozimes/

 

From Finland:

Modern Flag of Training Air Wing, Finnish Air Force 1918-1915 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Training_Air_Wing,_Finnish_Air_Force

Edited January 31, 2016 by AndresT

[Brian Wolfe]

Also found on Buddhist and Hindu statues as well as used by Native Americans.

Good post and one I hope others will add to.

Regards

Brian

[AndresT]

Thanks! I hope too! Swastika is so old symbol that we must rehabilitate his good name. I know it sounds unbelievable but how long we must demonize it because one bad regime have used it too in very short period?

Finnish Freedom Cross https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Cross_of_Liberty

Finnish WWII veterans support ring from 2007. A Finnish charity is selling silver rings emblazoned with a swastika to raise money for World War II veterans. Read more http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/nazi-or-nice-finns-snap-up-swastika-rings-for-christmas-a-523784.html

Finland's Victory Parade with swastika 1918

 

Latvian Order of Lāčplēsis (Bear Killer - Latvian national epic poem hero) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_L%C4%81%C4%8Dpl%C4%93sis

Estonian Scout merit cross Svastika

 

 

Edited February 2, 2016 by AndresT

[ChrisW]

Even in the US Army.... the 45th Infantry Division used this insignia from 1924 until as late as 1939. The swastika was also a Native American symbol.

 

 

[AndresT]

Modern latvian Army.

National Guard 22nd Infantry Battalion

National Guard 51st Infantry Battalion

 

[Stuka f]

French escadrlle la Fayette.

The link is French but you'll find different swa's in wear.

http://albindenis.free.fr/Site_escadrille/escadrille124Lafayette.htm

[AndresT]

Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-01573,_Marokko,_Französisches_Bombenflugzeug. French Star + Swastika.

[larsb001]

I recently got an example of the Latvian flying badge to compare to the drawing shown earlier here ...