RichB
Well-known member
In answer to the white star question.
The plain white star was introduced in Aug 42. It was found that in the fog of battle (smoke, dust, lighting, etc) that the Star could be confused with the Balkenkreuz. The circle was added in 1943 for the North African theatre and carried onto Sciliy and Italy. Most often it was also white but was seen in yellow as well.
Leading up to D-Day, the star was adopted as the universal marking for Allied vehicles. A plain white star was to be applied to vertical surfaces and the white star and circle was to be applied to horizontal surfaces for better aerial recognition. Not all units applied the stars to the vertical surfaces or over painted them, especially armoured units, when it was found they made good aiming points. The only difference between the continuous and broken circle was the dedication of the crew applying the markings.
To show our displeasure at applying US stars on our vehicles, Canadian and some British units would slightly rotate the star.
Cheers,
RichB
The plain white star was introduced in Aug 42. It was found that in the fog of battle (smoke, dust, lighting, etc) that the Star could be confused with the Balkenkreuz. The circle was added in 1943 for the North African theatre and carried onto Sciliy and Italy. Most often it was also white but was seen in yellow as well.
Leading up to D-Day, the star was adopted as the universal marking for Allied vehicles. A plain white star was to be applied to vertical surfaces and the white star and circle was to be applied to horizontal surfaces for better aerial recognition. Not all units applied the stars to the vertical surfaces or over painted them, especially armoured units, when it was found they made good aiming points. The only difference between the continuous and broken circle was the dedication of the crew applying the markings.
To show our displeasure at applying US stars on our vehicles, Canadian and some British units would slightly rotate the star.
Cheers,
RichB
