I just returned from being away and without a computer. The first time I started to answer the question about
symbols, the puter blinked and I lost it all. I'll try again.
Marion's link answers the question about the markings that identified the Size of the unit. Each unit symbol was a rectangle(or I will call it a "box") and the XXX or || would be on top of the box. That was only a part of it.
Within the Box was a marking for the TYPE of unit. Here are some examples:
INFANTRY = X - (or diagonal lines connecting opposite corners of the box)
CAVALRY = / - (one diagonal line to opposite corners)
ENGINEER = E (inside the box)
ARTILLERY = o (Solid Dot) [excluding coastal arty & AA]
ARMORED = oval (think of tank treads)
MECHANIZED CAVALRY = Oval and diagonal
(German Panzer units symbol was an oval and two diagonal crossed lines, or combination of INFANRY & CAVALRY)
MEDICAL = + or horizontal and vertical lines within box
AIRBORNE INFANTRY = X with double hump (similiar to 'm') under center of X
The letter or number to the LEFT of the symbol indicates the unit designation; that to the RIGHT, the designation of the parent unit to which it belongs.
Thus an INFANTRY symbol with | on top and "A" on left and "137" to right would be a symbol for:
Company A of 137 Infantry Regiment
(Single vertical bar is symbol for Company. Next higher numbered element is the Regiment.)
A simple INFANTRY symbol with || and a 2 to the LEFT and 350 on the right would represent:
2nd Battalion of 350 Infantry Regiment
(Double vertical bar is symbol for Battalion.)
Sometimes a unit number or letter would have "(-)" or "ELEM" to indicate that it was only part of that unit. So 137(-) in above example would mean that this was not a complete company
Also a map will show the "front line" position of the friendly troops. Perpendicular to this "front" was a BOUNDARY LINE that showed the division of the territory under the units command. This Boundary Line was extended on beyond the "front lines" to show the intended territory that would occupied based on planned advances.
This Boundary Line is usually a solid line and it would have the symbol for the command, like this:
--------- XXXX -------
This would indicate the boundary between two armies. Letters or numbers on each side of the boundary line designated the units seperated by that line.
Symbol for a COMMAND POST was the rectangle with a vertical line on one side that resembles a flag staff. This symbol was used to locate the CP on the map.
Now. Clear as mud. It's harder to describe than it is to draw. That is why I want to create page for this explanation.
Steve
Here is a map I drew for the break-thru of the GUSTAV Line on 11-14 May 1944 at the 85th Division sector of the front lines.
NOTE: Boundary Line between 85 & 88 Divisions and 338th & 339th Regiments.
Color Codes: Blue are 88 Division. Red are 85th Division for 11-12 May and Green arrows indicate movement up to 14 May.
