X-Nico

5 unusual facts about Maltese cross


4th Composite Group

The unit was formed from the World War I 2d, 3d and 28th Aero Squadrons in 1919 (its emblem represents the three squadrons with Maltese crosses).

Bermuda Regiment

The full badge, as displayed on the Colours, features two crossed cannons creating an X behind a Maltese cross (the symbol of rifle regiments in the British Army, and used on the white metal BVRC badge), set on a circular shield with "THE BERMUDA REGIMENT" inscribed around it, and the whole enclosed within a wreath and surmounted by the Crown.

Geneva drive

The Geneva drive is also commonly called a Maltese cross mechanism due to the visual resemblance when the driven wheel has four spokes.

Hourglass dolphin

This refers to the area of black coloration, which, viewed from above, vaguely resembles a Maltese cross or cross pattée.

Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment

Regimental badge: A Maltese cross within a wreath of ten Protea flowers, with a rifle on each side of the cross.


44th New York Monument

The memorial is crowned with a maltese cross and has numerous interior and exterior bronze tablets which include 2 bas-reliefs of Generals Daniel Butterfield and Francis Barlow.

Order of St Philip of the Lion of Limburg

The jewel of the Order was an eight-pointed Maltese cross with gold balls on the points and four laurel wreaths in the arms of the cross.

Scottish Knights Templar

Knights Templar Internationally use the Cross pattée, including The Commandery of St Clair in alignment with the International Order OSMTH, The Grand Priory of the Scots (mainly American Scots) a Cross with two branches, and other Scottish Knights Templar Groups use the Eight Pointed Cross coloured red more commonly but not exclusively known as the Maltese Cross, of the Knights Hospitaller or Order of St. John or Cross of Amalfi.

Symbols of Malta

The original flag of the Knights Hospitaller consisted of a white Maltese Cross on a black background, however this was never used in Malta.

The Mediterranean Caper

The tower reports that they are under aerial attack by a World War I era German Albatros D-3 biplane painted a startling bright yellow and bearing the familiar black Maltese Cross of World War I Germany.


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