Why did the SS use a skull and crossbones?
There are many other military units that used the skull symbol. During WW1, the special German troops that operated flame throwers wore a skull and crossbones on their left sleeve. The Italian Fascists had a fighting unit that was a skull with a dagger clenched in its teeth. The British 17th Lancers dating back from its origin displayed a skull and crossbones on their cap and later as their cap badge. There are several US Air Force and Navy squadrons that have a skull or skeleton as part of their insiginia. Some are skeletons flying on bombs and such. One Navy unit is called the Jolly Rodgers and use the old Pirate flag as their symbol.
