The following description of Axis smoke codes and signals in North Africa appeared in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 25, May 20, 1943. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

AXIS SMOKE CODES AND SIGNALS From a South African source comes a memorandum on Italian smoke signals for communication with aircraft, stated as applicable to German troops as well. The main advantages of smoke were given to be: Safe and easy handling; With good visibility it can be seen at 2,000 feet; Produces dense concentrations for at least 30 seconds. Five basic colors are used; orange, violet, red, green, and white. By using the 5 colors in various pair combinations, a total of 12 distinct and useful signals can be made. These are as follows: a. Own Troops Orange      Own troops are here Orange and red We are isolated - enemy is behind us Orange and green  Continue your active support Green We are advancing - we are attacking - increase the radius of your action b. Enemy Troops Red      Enemy is attacking Red and green     Enemy attacking our right flank Red and white Enemy attacking our left flank c. Tanks Violet      Enemy tanks in front of us Violet and red Enemy tanks behind us Violet and green Enemy tanks on our right Violet and white Enemy tanks on our left Violet and orange Own tanks going into action

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