The CND Logo: A Nautical-Inspired Symbol of Peace and Protest

How a Maritime Signal Became the World’s Most Iconic Peace Symbol

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) logo is one of the most recognisable symbols of peace in the world today. Often referred to as the “peace symbol,” it has transcended its original purpose and become a universal emblem of non-violence, anti-war movements, and global activism. However, its origins lie in the intense political climate of the late 1950s, when fears of nuclear annihilation were at their peak.

The Political Context: Fear of Nuclear War

In the aftermath of World War II, the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union led to an arms race that saw both nations amassing vast nuclear arsenals. The horrifying consequences of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 had already demonstrated the devastating power of nuclear weapons. By the 1950s, the testing of hydrogen bombs and the proliferation of nuclear arms raised serious concerns among activists, scientists, and ordinary citizens alike.

In Britain, the growing fear of nuclear war gave rise to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), an organisation dedicated to advocating for unilateral nuclear disarmament. CND was officially founded in 1958 and quickly became a leading voice in Britain’s anti-nuclear movement. One of its first major actions was a protest march from London to the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment at Aldermaston, which was planned for Easter 1958.

The Creation of the Logo

As the CND prepared for its first major demonstration, the organisation sought a powerful and memorable visual symbol for its campaign. They turned to Gerald Holtom, a British artist and designer with a background in graphic design and social activism. Holtom, a conscientious objector during World War II, was deeply troubled by the threat of nuclear war and sought to create a symbol that could effectively convey the urgency and despair of the cause.

Holtom designed the CND logo on 21 February 1958. His inspiration came from the semaphore signalling system used by sailors to communicate over distances with flags. The design incorporates the semaphore signals for the letters N (nuclear) and D (disarmament). In semaphore, the letter “N” is represented by holding two flags in an inverted “V” shape, while “D” is signified by holding one flag straight up and another straight down. When combined, these positions form the now-famous peace symbol—a circle enclosing a vertical line with downward slanting arms.

Holtom later explained that beyond its literal representation, the symbol also had a deeper, personal meaning. He described how he had originally sketched a figure in despair, arms outstretched downward, which he then enclosed within a circle to create a sense of unity and completeness. This imagery of a person in anguish reinforced the gravity of the anti-nuclear cause.

Early Use and Public Reception

The CND logo was first displayed during the Aldermaston March in April 1958, when thousands of protesters carried banners and placards adorned with the symbol. The march was a significant event in British history, marking one of the earliest mass protests against nuclear weapons. The logo quickly gained recognition and became synonymous with the broader peace movement.

The public response to the symbol was overwhelmingly positive. Unlike other political or activist emblems, it had a neutral and inclusive design, making it appealing across different ideological backgrounds. There were no words or nationalistic imagery, allowing it to transcend language and cultural barriers.

From CND to Global Peace Symbol

Although the symbol was created specifically for the CND and the British anti-nuclear movement, it soon took on a much broader meaning. During the 1960s, it was adopted by the growing anti-war movement in the United States, particularly in opposition to the Vietnam War. The symbol became an integral part of countercultural movements, associated with peace, love, and resistance to militarism.

Activists, including those involved in the Civil Rights Movement, also began using the symbol in protests and demonstrations. By the late 1960s and 1970s, the logo had been widely embraced by hippies, anti-war protesters, and environmental activists. The commercialisation of the symbol followed, appearing on clothing, jewellery, posters, and artwork around the world.

Misconceptions and Alternative Theories

As with many popular symbols, the CND logo has been subject to various interpretations and misconceptions. Some conspiracy theories have claimed that it has hidden meanings, including associations with pagan symbols or even Satanism. However, these claims have no historical basis. Gerald Holtom’s own explanation of the design, rooted in semaphore and despair, remains the only verified origin of the logo.

Another misconception is that the peace symbol was created during the 1960s American counterculture movement, rather than for the British CND in 1958. While it certainly became a defining emblem of that era, its true origin predates the American anti-war protests.

The Symbol’s Enduring Legacy

Decades after its creation, the CND logo remains a powerful icon of peace and activism. It has been used in anti-war protests, nuclear disarmament campaigns, environmental movements, and social justice demonstrations across the world. In many ways, its simplicity and adaptability have contributed to its lasting impact.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the CND logo is its ability to remain relevant through different eras and movements. Whether appearing on banners at climate change protests, worn on T-shirts at anti-war rallies, or painted on murals promoting unity, the symbol continues to represent the universal longing for a world free from violence and destruction.

Conclusion: A Symbol Beyond Its Time

The CND logo was born out of a specific political movement at a time of great global tension. However, thanks to its powerful design and universal message, it has endured far beyond its original purpose. Created by Gerald Holtom in 1958 as a protest against nuclear weapons, the symbol has since become a global icon of peace, non-violence, and hope.

Today, it is more than just a historical artefact—it is a living emblem of the fight for a better world. Whether carried in protests, displayed in art, or worn as a statement of solidarity, the CND logo continues to inspire generations of activists and advocates for peace. Its origins may be rooted in Cold War anxieties, but its meaning remains as relevant as ever in an age where conflict and the threat of war still loom over humanity.