Signal (magazine)
Encyclopedia
Signal was a magazine published by the German Wehrmacht
from 1940 through 1945.
Signal was a modern, glossy, illustrated photo journal and army propaganda
tool, meant specifically for audiences in neutral, allied, and occupied countries. It was available in the United States in English until December 1941. A German edition was distributed in Switzerland and to various other countries with a strong German military presence, but Signal was never distributed in Germany proper. The promoter of the magazine was the chief of the Wehrmacht propaganda office, Colonel Hasso von Wedel
. Signal was published fortnightly (plus some special issues) in as many as 25 editions and 30 languages, and at its height had a circulation of 2,500,000 copies. The last number was 6/45, only known in one sample from the Swedish edition. Signal described the combat conditions of the German troops and their allies in all fronts, together with high quality photos, including a central double page full color one. Many of the most famous photos of World War II
to be seen today are taken from Signal. The magazine also included articles about economics, science, arts, and advertising for the most notorious German companies (BMW, Agfa, Audi, Siemens ...). The contents of the different editions could vary, sometimes avoiding subjects that could upset or worry the population of that country (for example, the discovery of the Katyn massacre
of Polish officers taken prisoners by the Soviets in 1940 was not covered by all editions).
The magazine kept its independence from the Propaganda Ministry, remaining under control of the army. Still, there is a political message, one of a unified Europe (under the so called 'New Order') fighting together against the Bolshevism, this idea was symbolized by the different foreign units and volunteers fighting on the German side.
Wehrmacht
The Wehrmacht – from , to defend and , the might/power) were the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945. It consisted of the Heer , the Kriegsmarine and the Luftwaffe .-Origin and use of the term:...
from 1940 through 1945.
Signal was a modern, glossy, illustrated photo journal and army propaganda
Propaganda
Propaganda is a form of communication that is aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position so as to benefit oneself or one's group....
tool, meant specifically for audiences in neutral, allied, and occupied countries. It was available in the United States in English until December 1941. A German edition was distributed in Switzerland and to various other countries with a strong German military presence, but Signal was never distributed in Germany proper. The promoter of the magazine was the chief of the Wehrmacht propaganda office, Colonel Hasso von Wedel
Hasso von Wedel
Oberleutnant Hasso von Wedel began his career as a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories. He served as a fighter pilot during World War II; after a spell as a prisoner of war, he was repatriated and died in the Battle of Berlin....
. Signal was published fortnightly (plus some special issues) in as many as 25 editions and 30 languages, and at its height had a circulation of 2,500,000 copies. The last number was 6/45, only known in one sample from the Swedish edition. Signal described the combat conditions of the German troops and their allies in all fronts, together with high quality photos, including a central double page full color one. Many of the most famous photos of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
to be seen today are taken from Signal. The magazine also included articles about economics, science, arts, and advertising for the most notorious German companies (BMW, Agfa, Audi, Siemens ...). The contents of the different editions could vary, sometimes avoiding subjects that could upset or worry the population of that country (for example, the discovery of the Katyn massacre
Katyn massacre
The Katyn massacre, also known as the Katyn Forest massacre , was a mass execution of Polish nationals carried out by the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs , the Soviet secret police, in April and May 1940. The massacre was prompted by Lavrentiy Beria's proposal to execute all members of...
of Polish officers taken prisoners by the Soviets in 1940 was not covered by all editions).
The magazine kept its independence from the Propaganda Ministry, remaining under control of the army. Still, there is a political message, one of a unified Europe (under the so called 'New Order') fighting together against the Bolshevism, this idea was symbolized by the different foreign units and volunteers fighting on the German side.