Custom Symbols

Tactical Symbols

There are many advantages to using standard map symbols on maps, organizational diagrams, and infographics shared in the course of a classroom exercise.  There are times, however, when students benefit from images that make use of what might be called "bespoke map symbols."

Consider, if you will, the following map, which depicts the opening moves of Operation Crusader, the great offensive conducted by British Empire forces in North Africa at the end of 1941.  Map symbols of the kind used by the German Army in 1941 show the locations the two German formations involved in that battle.  At the same time, the four British formations taking part in the offensive are represented by the badges of the divisions in question.

Using a different kind of symbol for each side in the contest emphasizes the differences between the British Empire divisions and their German counterparts.  Using divisional badges to represent British Empire divisions provides a gentle reminder of the multi-national character of the "British" forces involved in Operation Crusader.  (These divisions are, from left to right, the 1st South African Division, the [British] 7th Armoured Division, the 2nd New Zealand Division, and the 4th Indian Division.)