A question regarding swastikas

[konny]

Yeah but the balkenkreuz AFAIK didn't have any more association with the nazis than the Iron Cross. It was just used on planes, tanks etc. (and was introduced in late WWI).

It was a variation that was introduced by the navy in 1916, when Hitler was a little private, Goebbels was studing to become a priest, Göring was pilot under Richthofen, Himmler was still at school and no one had an idea what 'Nazi' should be.

And of course, it was used on German planes, tanks etc., it was an military identifying mark.

[Sakkura]

It was a variation that was introduced by the navy in 1916, when Hitler was a little private, Goebbels was studing to become a priest, Göring was pilot under Richthofen, Himmler was still at school and no one had an idea what 'Nazi' should be.

And of course, it was used on German planes, tanks etc., it was an military identifying mark.

Exactly. Both of those crosses were used before the nazi party existed and were used by the armed forces with no special nazi connotations (unlike the swastika). Which is why I find it a little odd if Germany allows one but not the other.

[konny]

Which is why I find it a little odd if Germany allows one but not the other.

I don't know what actually were the reasons to return to the old style 1955. For sure, distinguishing the new Bundeswehr from the WWII Wehrmacht was an argument. That should probbaly also create a Prussian heritage for the new army.