6mm German panzers early war white Balkenkreuz

6mm Early War German Panzer White Balkenkreuz (1939–1940)
 
The decals are sized to fit multiple manufactures 1-300 scale tank miniatures. There are 3 sizes.
 
During the opening campaigns of World War II, German armored vehicles commonly carried high-visibility white Balkenkreuz (national crosses) as identification markings. These early markings were much more prominent than the later low-visibility crosses used from 1941 onward.
 
1939 Polish Campaign
German tanks such as the Panzer I, Panzer II, and early Panzer III often displayed large white outlined or solid white Balkenkreuz.
Markings were usually applied:
On the turret sides
On the rear hull or engine deck
Occasionally on the front glacis
The purpose was rapid recognition by German ground forces and aircraft, but the large white crosses also made vehicles easier targets.
 
1940 Western Campaign (France & Low Countries)
Many Panzer units still used large white crosses.
Common appearances included:
Solid white crosses
White crosses with black centers
White outline crosses with interior vehicle color
Vehicles often carried additional tactical markings:
Company/platoon symbols
Vehicle numbers
Unit insignia
Temporary campaign markings
 
Typical Early War Panzer Cross Styles
1. Solid White Balkenkreuz
Most common on early-war photographs.
Simple white painted cross.
Frequently seen on Panzer I and Panzer II.
2. White Outline Balkenkreuz
White border surrounding a dark interior.
Became increasingly common because the solid white cross was too conspicuous.
3. Oversized Recognition Cross
Very large crosses painted on turret sides or hull surfaces.
Used especially during the 1939 campaign.
 
Transition After 1940
By the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941:
Large white crosses were reduced or replaced.
Crews often repainted them with:
Narrow white outlines
Black centers
Smaller tactical crosses
This reduced visibility and helped prevent enemy anti-tank gunners from using the markings as aiming points.
 
Common Early War Panzer Examples
Panzer I Ausf. A/B – large white crosses on turret/hull
Panzer II Ausf. C/D – prominent white Balkenkreuz during Poland and France
Panzer III Ausf. E/F/G – turret-side white crosses
Panzer IV Ausf. B/C/D – large early-war crosses, often with unit markings
 
For decal purposes, an accurate 1939–1940 German Panzer sheet would typically include:
Large solid white Balkenkreuz
White outline Balkenkreuz
Turret-side crosses
Hull/rear crosses
Early vehicle tactical numbers in white/red/black styles
Unit symbols from Polish and French campaigns
 
These markings are especially appropriate for Panzer I–IV vehicles from 1939 Poland, 1940 France, and early North Africa deployments.
 
Like very small white-only decals, these markings can also be difficult to see on the decal sheet when trying to locate and cut them out. The best method is to use the “Black Ink” technique on the back of the sheet. This creates contrast and makes the tiny markings much easier to identify and accurately cut.
For detailed instructions, click here: Black Ink Pro Process.