German army ranks ww2 The Luftwaffe rank of Hauptgrefeiter was abolished in 1944, leaving four lower enlisted ranks. War from the Top: German and British Decision Making During World War II. Find out how the Heer inherited its insignia from the Reichsheer and how it evolved over time. Austro-Hungarian Army (1867–1918). A number of military awards were established pre-war, including Wehrmacht long service decorations, followed by awards for participation in the Spanish Civil War and for the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland, with the greatest number established after the start of World War II in 1939. Within the Royal Prussian Army and the imperial army of the German Empire, the rank Gefreiter served as a deputy to the Unteroffizier (Corporal) and was distinguished by the wearing of an Auszeichnungsknopf (rank distinction button) known as the Gefreitenknopf (Gefreiter button) on each side of their uniform collar, similar to the slightly * A General der Waffengattung appended his branch of service to his rank title, e. Also depicted are the national emblems worn on headgear. In this section you will find our range of quality WW2 Waffen-SS and Allgemeine SS Officer, EM and NCO German Insignia and Badges. The name was changed to Wehrmachtbeamte auf Kriegsdauer (Military officials for the duration of the War) in the 3rd issue regulations. The Kriegsmarine was the navy of Nazi Germany prior to and during World War II. Sturmbannführer (German: [ˈʃtʊʁmbanˌfyːʁɐ]; lit. Spelled with a capital O, "Oberst" is a noun and defines the military rank of colonel or group captain. These ranks and insignia were specific to the Heer and in special cases to The Heer as the German army and part of the Wehrmacht inherited its uniforms and rank structure from the Reichsheer of the Weimar Republic (1921–1935). The German Army divided officers billets into eight groups, depending on the function to be carried out. ” I’m American, and as a history buff I’m familiar with the ranks in the United States armed forces. search and study in the German, American, and British archives. [1] The highest ranks of the combined SS ( German : Gesamt-SS ) was that of Reichsführer-SS and Oberster Führer der SS ; however, there was no Waffen-SS equivalent to these positions. " This document summarizes the ranks and insignia of the German army (Heer) from 1935 to 1945. Military ranks are more than just titles. German Army Ranks 4 iii. June 1943 Field recognition. ANGOLIA, John R. EFL3043 $ 20. But to what levels of command do those terms refer? Apr 23, 2025 · Wehrmacht, the armed forces of the Third Reich. Of the 7361 men awarded the initial grade of the highest German combat honor of WWII, the Knights Cross, 4777 were from the Heer making up 65% of the total awarded. The rank insignia of the Federal Defence Forces (Bundeswehr) indicate rank and branch of service in the German Army (Heer), German Air Force (Luftwaffe), or the German Navy (Marine). com The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory. The red cross is used as the protective sign by the Army Medical Service Beret insignia of the Army Medical Service. Dr. 12. This resource page shows the enlisted ranks of the army, SS and the air force. Germany’s military structure has been shaped by various historical events, including reorganizations post World War II and the reunification of East and West Germany. Currently used in the militaries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the term includes the word jäger, another German military term used to denote light infantry troops. The comparative ranks of Nazi Germany contrasts the ranks of the Wehrmacht to a number of Nazi Party organisations in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945 in a synoptic table. While it shared similarities with the rank systems used by other major combatants, there were significant differences that make commonly referenced tables of May 20, 2023 · WW2 German Army Uniforms Rank insignia National emblems Headgear Field Afrika Korps Collar pathces Shoulder-straps Newsmap Vol 1 No 43 2-15-1943 US Government National Archives NARA Unrestricted Public domain 26-nm-1-43 002 cropped. One of the most effective methods used to galvanize the nation was the ordering of civilians into military-style organizations. EFL3044 $ 30. DAVIS, Brian L. com. Enlisted Ranks of the Army, SS and Luftwaffe. Nazi organisations used a hierarchical structure, according to the so-called Führerprinzip (leader principle), and were oriented in line with the rank order system of the Wehrmacht. September 1943). There are no comments to display. ISBN 978-1-84-486136-1. Niehorster’s previously published works include “The Royal Hungarian Army, 1920–1945”, which was acclaimed Uniforms of the Luftwaffe 1944 (US poster) The Luftwaffe was the air force of Nazi Germany prior to and during World War II. We have cap badges, breast eagles, collar tabs, cuff titles and trade badges as worn by frontline Waffen-SS troops and serving personnel in WWII. EFL3042 $ 20. 53 MB German police uniforms in 1936: Green service dress with brown collar and cuffs for Schutzpolizei (municipal and state protection police), orange collar and cuffs for Gendarmerie (state rural police), blue maritime police, and white traffic police uniforms; visor caps and German police shakos, the characteristic "bump hat" of the Schutzpolizei German police insignia in 1936: Shoulderboards May 13, 2025 · Introduction: Why Ranks & Insignia Matter in Military History. The Panzer Badge or Tank Battle Badge (Nazi Germany) May 12, 2021 · A single letter identifying the rank level of the person. Separate from the Army The German Army, 1939–1945. Grouping of 3 WWII German Heer Ukrainische Befreiungsarmee (Ukrainian Liberation Army) pieces of insignia that were officially in use from 1943 to 1944: Silk-screen printed cotton sleeve nationality badge, Machine-woven breast badge still on it's rayon factory roll, and single dark green wool shoulder board with red piping for the rank of Soldat. , musicians, farriers, medical, etc. In times of dispute the matter is normally resolved on German Vice Admiral Günther Lütjens during World War II. John R. This is due to the fact that varying dye lots were used, as well as different materials. The Waffen-SS never had more than four. Twilight of the Gods: The Decline and Fall of the German General Staff in World War II. Parada, George (2004). 00 WW2 German Luftwaffe Administrative NCO Trade Patch Felt Mar 17, 2019 · A short video describing the basic rank structure of the German Army during the Second World War. The enlisted men were divided into three groups: Senior Sergeants (Unteroffiziere mit Portepee) (“O” Group), Junior Sergeants (Unteroffizier ohne Portepee The following is a general overview of the Heer main uniforms, used by the German Army prior to and during World War II. Between 1939 and 1945 the Heer bore the majority of six years worth of fierce combat, some of which was so fierce – as on the Eastern Front – humankind will likely never again Mar 10, 2000 · SS Rank (see notes 1 & 6 below) Translation of SS Rank (see note 3 below) Wehrmacht Rank (see note 4 below) American Rank. However, the most desperate form of organization was the Volksgrenadier divisions (‘People’s Grenadier Divisions’) as a replacement or supplement to the infantry divisions from the end of 1944. In the sedtion you will find rank stars and chevrons for a range of German ranks and forces. Here you will find a wide selection of World War II German Insignia, including cap badges, tunic eagles, shoulder boards, metal badges, collar tabs, Iron Crosses, and combat awards. Item Number: 84754. See the German words, English translations and equivalent ranks in other armies. WWII German Drill Uniform Rank Pip $ 15. It might have been comparable to NCO-rank OR8. Jun 15, 2013 · German Insignia of World War II thus also looks at the organizations, symbols, and artifacts that became synonymous with the Third Reich. 0-912138-30-0. In both Germany and the Soviet Union, the "Generalmajor" rank was equivalent to the "one-star" rank, and all the other ranks shifted: "Generalleutnant" was equivalent to two-star, not to lieutenant general. b. Kosaken-Kavallerie-Division) was a Cossack division of the German Army that served during World War II. Tessin, Georg (1979). German Infantry Battalion structure and terminology 6 Overview 7 Evolution of the German Infantry Battalion (chart) 9 The elements of the Battalion 10 Annex A - Signal communication 32 Annex B - Weapons and ammunition 35 These insignia would survive throughout World War II and were kept in use after the three original regiments had expanded to full-sized military regimental strength in the war-time 2nd SS Division "Das Reich", roughly equivalent in size to their German Army counterparts. Specialties, education levels, and pay levels were specified in regulations. SOLD! WWII German Army Cloth Artillery Radio Operator Trade Badge $ 20. [14] Feuerwehr-Helferinnen. Armee-Korps . During World War II, these ranks shaped the structure, discipline, and decision-making within every unit. EFL3048 $ 20. While this sounds simple, as a practical matter it is anything but. [/FONT] [FONT=&quot]1. ) wore an insignia with two stars, a Generaloberst (literally, colonel-general) wore an insignia with three stars, and a Generalfeldmarschall wore an insignia with two diagonally crossed marshal batons. Heer Rank Luftwaffe Rank Kriegsmarine Rank Waffen-SS Rank; Detailed: Grenadier: Flieger: Matrose: SS-Schütze: Obergrenadier: SS-Oberschütze: Gefreiter Obergefreiter Stabsgefreiter: Gefreiter Obergefreiter Hauptgefreiter Stabsgefreiter: Matrosengefreiter Matrosenobergefreiter Matrosenhauptgefreiter Matrosenstabsgefreiter: ss-Sturmmann ss Major (German pronunciation:) is the lowest staff officer rank in the German Army, German Air Force. In Nazi Germany, within the SS, SA and Waffen-SS, the rank of Oberst is a German word. Original WWII German Army Early/Pre-War Gefreiter Rank Chevron Available for immediate delivery $25. g. Book: Angolia . It was created on the Eastern Front mostly with Don Cossacks already serving in the Wehrmacht, those who escaped from the advancing Red Army and Soviet POWs. Wounded badge on 23th December 1943, 26th July 1944 Iron Cross. 15th Army (Pas-de-Calais) reported to Army Group B and was led by Hans von Salmuth. 00 Add to cart; WW2 German a. 2014: German Army 1939-1945: — Appendix on German names, titles and ranks. The army rank of Grenadier The Heer as the German army and part of the Wehrmacht inherited its uniforms and rank structure from the Reichsheer of the Weimar Republic (1921–1935). German WWII Army & SS Rank & Insignia. 00 Add to cart; WW2 German Army Oberschutze Rank Pip . (1990). The poster features two figures: one is a German soldier wearing the blue field uniform and the other is a German soldier wearing the brown Afrika Korps uniform. In summary, the German military rank system during World War II was complex and divided into several branches, each with its own unique ranks and WW2 German regular rank insignia for Obergefreiter, Sturmmann and other ranks. This video discusses German Army ranks in World War 2 with the correct pronunciation and additionally, which units a certain rank would usually command. James Bender Publishing, 1984. The equivalent of Schütze in the other branches of the German military was Jäger, Kanonier, Pionier, Kraftfahrer or Grenadier [2] in the army; Flieger in the Luftwaffe, Matrose in the Reichsmarine and Kriegsmarine, respectively. Other uses. Matrosengefreiter for a rated seaman in the deck branch. WW2 German Luftwaffe Flight Obergefreiter Collar Tab Set Worn; WW2 German Army Enlisted Flatwire Breast Eagle $ 45. 2025 Military Pay Scale Military Ranks U. The Wehrmacht was created by Adolf Hitler on March 16, 1935, and formally disbanded by the Allies on August 20, 1946. For example, a regimental staff officer could have rank level K, and a field medic could have rank level G. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. German Infantry Battalion structure and terminology 6 Overview 7 Evolution of the German Infantry Battalion (chart) 9 The elements of the Battalion 10 Annex A - Signal communication 32 Annex B - Weapons and ammunition 35 Dec 9, 2018 · As with many European armies (before NATO), the rank designation of Brigadier General did not exist in the German Army, and Colonels were promoted directly to the rank of Generalmajor (Major General). Westport: Greenwood Press. Rank on coveralls left sleeve or breast, specialty badges, misc. . 84th Corps (Normandy), 25th Corps (Brittany), 74th Corps (Brittany) all reported to the 7th Army. ISBN 978-0-29-778032-8. Army belt-buckle. Between 1939 and 1945 the Heer bore the majority of six years worth of fierce combat, some of which was so fierce – as on the Eastern Front – humankind will likely never again The Heer as the German army and part of the Wehrmacht inherited its uniforms and rank structure from the Reichsheer of the Weimar Republic (1921–1935). The Wehrmacht also included the Kriegsmarine (Navy) and the Luftwaffe (Air Force). Feldwebel was a typical infantry rank of the k. German writers often use cortbinations of single abbreviations. The Heer as the German army and part of the Wehrmacht inherited its uniforms and rank structure from the Reichsheer of the Weimar Republic (1921–1935). The equivalent naval rank is Oberleutnant zur See. Today, I list all of the German Army ranks in WW2 and describe their equivalent in English and some extra information if necessary#ww2 Röhm undertook several changes to the SA uniform and insignia design, the first being to invent several new ranks in order for the SA rank system to mirror that of the professional military. Introductory notes[/FONT] [FONT=&quot]1. Kriegsministerium (1. Uniforms & Traditions of the German Army 1933-1945. ʒãdaʁməˌʁiː] ⓘ; transl. Glossary of German World War II military terms; Comparative officer ranks of World War II; References Bibliography . Army rank, although their terminology differs for general officers, a Generalmajor being the equivalent of a brigadier general. Apr 18, 2025 · German Rank Ww2. and German equivalent ranks. This table contains the final ranks and insignia of the Waffen-SS, which were in use from 1942-1945 in comparison to the German Wehrmacht Heer. jpg 3,005 × 1,796; 1. In the Prussian military tradition, which set the tone for the 19th century and the German Empire, field marshals could only be promoted in wartime and the royal family was excluded, both resulting in the creation of the rank of colonel general with the rank of general field marshal (German: Generaloberst mit dem Range eines Corps colours, or Troop-function colours (German: Waffenfarben) were worn in the German Army (Heer) from 1935 until 1945 in order to distinguish between several branches, special services, corps, rank groups, and appointments of the ministerial area, the general staff, and the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW). 23 MB If they completed military training, they could join the military at their current rank. Ranks and insignia of the German Waffen SS (1942–1945) Contact Page WWII Military Maps; Field Equipment; Weapons and Accesories; Personal Items; Soldier 7th Army (Normandy and Brittany) reported to Army Group B and was led by Friedrich Dollmann. Leipzig: Verlag Moritz Ruhl. It consisted of the Heer (army), the Kriegsmarine (navy) and the Luftwaffe (air force). Sep 24, 2024 · Another confusing factor, not unique to Germany, is that the military (but not the SS) had no rank of brigadier general. Over time, different versions and designs of these insignia were introduced in response to changing needs and conditions of wartime Jan 24, 2013 · Expand Part 2 From the Retreat of the German Army in the West to the Climax of the Crisis: Combat Operations from August 20 to September 4, 1944 As in the US Navy, the rank titles given in the table were generic and rated sailors had rank titles indicating their rate, e. TM-E 30-451 Handbuch der deutschen Streitkräfte. Stone, David (2011). Verlag Moritz Ruhl (1936). The German military ranks throughout WWII accompanied an inflexible hierarchy, and every rank had unique duties in addition to privileges. In the first instance, there is a wide variety of color variation within the individual colors. Deutsche Uniformen ( auf Deutsch). Female fire fighting auxiliaries were drafted into the fire service from 1943. In this guide, we can speak about the WWII German army ranks, their insignia, and […] Glossary of German World War II military terms; Comparative officer ranks of World War II; References Bibliography . German infantry from a Luftwaffe unit pass a disabled tank destroyer Elefant in 1944 in Italy. OFFICERS. Jul 30, 2005 · German Army Ranks WW2. EFL2356 $ 15. As a four-star rank it is the equivalent to the rank of admiral in the German Navy. Showing 1–9 of 45 results Default sorting Sort by popularity Sort by latest Sort by price: low to high Sort by price: high to low Jun 12, 2021 · German Organizational Symbols: 1939–1941 Army 1941–1942 Army 1941–1942 Luftwaffe 1943–1945 Army 1943–1945 Luftwaffe German Individual Symbols: Figure Symbols Animal and Vehicle Symbols Military Personnel: Army and Waffen-SS Ranks Luftwaffe Ranks Navy Ranks Army Billets, Functions, and Ranks Army Job Descriptions Army Promotions Tank Ranks and insignia of the German Kriegsmarine used during the World War II (1935–1945), styles of uniform and insignia had many features in common with those of other European navies. British Rank. Unteroffizier(e), also Unteroffizier corps, is the collective name to all junior NCO-ranks in the modern day's Austrian Bundesheer. In particular in cases where attrition hit heavily (as it did during CRUSADER), lower ranks would take command of formations based on need, and then either promoted into the appropriate rank, or replaced by a more Jun 18, 2013 · Some good, if brief, reading can be found in the U. "Panzer Divisions 1940-1945". The following table lists the various ranks of the German Army, grouped according to category (Mannschaften (Men), Unteroffiziere (Non-Commissioned Officers), Offiziere (Officers) and Generäle (Generals)). Kriegsmarine uniform design followed that of the preexisting Reichsmarine, itself based on that of the First World War Kaiserliche Marine. "field gendarmerie") refers to military police units of the armies of the Kingdom of Saxony (from 1810), the German Empire and Nazi Germany up to the end of World War II in Europe. The present-day German Army was founded in 1955 as part of the newly formed West German Bundeswehr together with the Marine (German Navy) and the Luftwaffe (German Air Force). Monarch (The Monarch is an hereditary position, originally thought to be chosen by God and is thus neither elected nor appointed. jpg 6,654 × 8,626; 7. [ 6 ] Senior Lance Corporal ( Obergefreiter ); established in the Prussian Army from 1846 to 1853, reestablished in 1859, then in foot artillery only, replacing the artillery Bombardier rank that had been introduced in 1730. com logo are registered ® U. German wartime officer ranks were permanent, which often made it impossible for German officers to be promoted to the higher rank which their wartime billet would This table contains the final ranks and insignia of the Waffen-SS, which were in use from April 1942 to May 1945, in comparison to the Wehrmacht. The functions, however, do not always correspond. Note that the levels below do not mean that the person had command of a unit, but only refer to the rank level. Wilt, A. (Thank you to Andrew Bellenkes for providing the information. It describes the various insignia used including the national emblem on the breast, collar patches denoting branch of service, and special insignia for tank crews. In WWII, the Wehrmacht used shoulder board insignia as the only distinguishing unit insignia for most units. No copy. New York: Blanford Press. Nazi organisations used a hierarchal structure, according to the so-called The German Army (German: Heer (German pronunciation: [ˈheːɐ̯]) was the land forces component of the Wehrmacht, the German armed forces, from 1935 to 1945. They are regulated by the "presidential order on rank designation and military uniform". Web site: CIA . Arco Publishing, 1977. The Wehrmacht (German pronunciation: [ˈveːɐ̯maxt] ⓘ, lit. & SCHLICHT, Adolf. März 1945). The vast array of new ranks also allowed for a military appearance to the Nazi Party, in particular during World War II when political leaders were exempt from conscription. Remarks Details, conditions, and prerequisites for SS-Candidates, aspirant or volunteers for full membership to The rank was a deputy rank to the Corporal (Unteroffizier) [b] rank. The Reichsheer was renamed Wehrmacht Heer in May 1935. The US Army equivalent ranks indicated here can therefor only be an indication of the hierarchy. 00. During World War II, a total of about 15 million soldiers served in the German Army, of whom about seven million became casualties. Jan 27, 2009 · Can any-one tell me: 1) How long some-one needed to serve in the German Army before the outbreak of WW2? 2) How old were the men who were called to serve in the German Army before WW2? 3) Were the medics who were accompanying the soldiers on the frontlines medical doctors or just 'first aid man'? Oct 11, 2019 · This cumulative military manual was a "Joint Army-Navy" ("JAN") publication illustrating uniforms and insignia of the navies, armies and air forces of Japan, Nazi Germany (Heer/German Army, Kriegsmarine/German Navy, Luftwaffe/German Air Force, Waffen-SS/German Armed Elite Guard), Facist Italy, occupied France and the Netherlands (parts of their Apr 18, 2025 · German Rank Ww2. S. The Waffen-SS used a modified version of the Heer rank system, with some unique ranks and insignia. World War II I’m frequently confused when I see some military officer referred to as an “Obergruppenführer,” for example, or a “Wing Commander. Terms such as M40 and M43 were never designated by the Wehrmacht , but are names given to the different versions of the Model 1936 field tunic by modern collectors, to discern between variations, as the M36 was steadily Nov 17, 2024 · The insignia of the units and army-level troops of the field army are to be changed by 23 January 1943 in accordance with further orders from the army corps, Gruppe Chevallerie 1 Later XVI. Spelled with a lower case o, or "oberst", it is an adjective, meaning "superior, top, topmost, uppermost, highest, chief, head, first, principal, or supreme". Rank insignia for Female Police Auxiliaries was introduced in 1944. Nearly all German officer ranks correspond to U. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson. Jun 27, 2001 · (In the German WWII Army, all ranks below 2nd Lieutenant were enlisted men). These ranks and insignia were specific to the Heer and in special cases to Jun 23, 2010 · In the table of ranks on pages 13-14 will be found all active military ranks that could be held in the German Army; not all of these ranks have an exact English equivalent and in some cases an approximation has been made. The rank is rated OF-3 in NATO. DoD Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code WW2 Weapons American War Deaths MilitaryRibbons. Matzos; Jul 30, 2005; Tags german army-wehrmacht military ranks Reactions: Bombardier. Info WorldWarNext. Apr 3, 2013 · For WWII at least, from bottom up, a Generalmajor wore an insignia without stars, a Generalleutnant wore an insignia with one star, a General (of Infantry, Cavalry, etc. This rank is equivalent to the rank of captain in the British and US Armies, and is rated OF-2 in NATO. The tables show the proper insignia that are worn on the collar, shoulder and sleeve ( if need be ). CIA . During World War II, only twelve officers were promoted to the rank of Mar 5, 2025 · The German army, or Heer, played a sizeable component in World Battle II, and its military employer turned painstakingly dependent. Dec 12, 2014 · World War II Armed Forces — Orders of Battle and Organizations: Last Updated 12. German military insignia were intended to establish clear differentiation between ranks and types of service, and at the same time to encourage individual combat efficiency and proficiency in military arts. The German Army divided officers are into eight groups, depending on the function they were to carry out. 1 . A: Army and army group level officers WW2 German Army Motor Transport insignia . Gebirgsjäger (German pronunciation: [ɡəˈbɪʁksˌjɛːɡɐ]) is a German military term for light infantry trained in mountain warfare. The Heer as the German army and part of the Wehrmacht inherited its uniforms and rank structure from the Reichsheer of the Weimar Republic (1921–1935). [15] Rank insignia for Female Fire Fighting Auxiliaries was introduced in 1944. The Army/Waffen-SS war badges were a series of military decorations awarded by Nazi Germany to members of the Army (Heer) and the Waffen-SS for their service and achievements during World War II. ) SUB-MENU: American WWII Weapons - US Army WWII Weapons - British German WWII Weapons WWII US Army Uniform Insignia WWII Military Ranks WWII Regimental Order Actors in WWII Ranks and insignia of the Wehrmacht (1935–1945), the rank systems of the other branches of the Wehrmacht, the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine, were different, as were those of the SS which was a Party organization outside the Wehrmacht May 25, 2013 · In the German WWII Army, all ranks below 2nd Lieutenant were enlisted men. Shopping Cart ( 0 ) View cart Apr 1, 2021 · ‘In the years after World War I, the defeated and much-reduced German Army developed new clothing and personal equipment that drew upon the lessons learned in the trenches. Promotions and awards in the Military Passport of the Wehrmacht: on 1st October 1937 to Corporal on 1st September 1943 to Lance-Corporal. R. More detail can be found in the accompanying article at the The term Feldgendarmerie (German: [ˈfɛlt. There were few alterations and adjustments made as the army grew from a limited peacetime defense force of 100,000 men to a war-fighting force of several million men. 74 MB. The tables show the proper insignia that are worn on the collar, shoulder and sleeve (if need be). Jack Hatter of Volume Control. The Military ranks of Women's Services in WWII are the military insignia used by the various all female military services and units during World War II. The Italian Republican Army also may use German uniforms and Waffen-SS insignia, although Italian Republican insignia may be worn on German-made uniforms. Oberleutnant is used by both the German Army and the German Air Force. Currently, there is no female form within the German military (such as Hauptfrau ): the correct form of address is " Frau Hauptmann . u. Army Administration Officials Holding Positions Equivalent to General Class Army Officer Ranks: Generalstabsintendant: General Staff commissariat commander: Generalintendant: General commissariat commander: Heeresintendant: Army commissary: Ministerialdirektor: Ministerial director: Oberreichskriegsanwalt Oberstleutnant (German pronunciation: [ˈʔoːbɐstlɔʏtnant]) (English: Lieutenant Colonel) [1] is a senior field officer rank in several German-speaking and Scandinavian countries, equivalent to lieutenant colonel. 00 Add to cart; WW2 Luftwaffe Rank Insignia . Dec 26, 2022 · Compare the ranks of the German Army, Air Force, Navy, and the Waffen-SS and their groupings during the Second World War. See the approximate conversion to NATO and US ranks and the notes on rank paths and exceptions. »» G The Panzer Legions: A Guide to the German Army Tank Divisions of World War II and Their Commanders. Dec 17, 2017 · World War II Germany: The Wehrmacht focuses on the German land forces, with chapters on the history of the German Army, pre-war development, command structures, infantry, armoured formations, artillery and support services. The Army Medical Service (German: Sanitätsdienst Heer or Sanitätsdienst des Heeres [1]) is a non-combat specialty branch of the German Army traditionally responsible for providing medical services within the army, and which has a humanitarian function during armed conflicts in Dec 1, 2024 · The historical perspective of German military ranks traces back to the origins of the modern German military system, influenced by centuries of strategic and cultural evolution. London: Conway. The 1st Cossack Cavalry Division (German: 1. Learn the ranks of the German army (Heer) in World War II, from the lowest soldier to the highest general. n/a: None. As of 2024, the German Army had a strength of 63,047 soldiers. [2] Feb 19, 2025 · The Waffen-SS was the military branch of the SS, which fought alongside the regular German army. In place of the wide variety of uniforms and insignia that had been worn by the Imperial German Army, a standardized approach was followed, culminating in the […] Dec 22, 2023 · Structure of the German Army in World War II. Washington, DC: Kriegsministerium. Categories . It comprises the ranks of the assignment group M BUO 2 (professional NCO 2; de: Berufsunteroffizier 2) with the rank Oberwachtmeister (OR6), and M ZUO 2 (time serving NCO 2; de: Zeitunteroffizier 2) with the rank Wachtmeister (OR5). 1992 . It is grade B10 in the pay rules of the Federal Ministry of Defence. At the height of the Third Reich it seemed that every civilian was in uniform. For the German maritime counterpart to captain, see Kapitän . A considerable number of these older terms have been retained in this list, but not all. , and the command of the Heeresgruppe army group The following table shows comparative officer ranks of World War II, with the ranks of Allied powers, German Army & Luftwaffe [20] Reichsmarschall: The Heer as the German army and part of the Wehrmacht inherited its uniforms and rank structure from the Reichsheer of the Weimar Republic (1921–1935). German Military Badges, Medals, Insignia and Signs from WWII, WWI and earlier for sale at International Military Antiques. These individuals demand nothing short of exactness in reproduction, and Lost Battalions caters to this niche with a distinguished offering of premium German uniforms, showcasing an expansive selection that exceeds market standards. Luftwaffe styles of uniform and rank insignia had many unique features between 1935 and 1945. 3. Flag icons created by Mario Paesani. Uniforms of the Heer as the ground forces of the Wehrmacht were distinguished from other branches by two devices: the army form of the Wehrmachtsadler or Hoheitszeichen (national emblem) worn above the right breast pocket, and – with certain exceptions – collar tabs bearing a pair of Litzen (Doppellitze "double braid"), a device inherited from the old Prussian Guard which Mar 6, 2018 · The German military uses insignia piped in different colors (known as Waffenfarbe) to distinguish different service branches. James Bender Publishing . The three ranks were Führerin, Unterführerin and Helferin. The German military during World War II was known for its rigid hierarchy and strict chain of command, with a well-defined ranking system that denoted the responsibilities, powers, and prestige of each rank. ISBN 978-0-313-31640-1. Kriegsministerium (15. *** The Kommodore was not considered a flag officer and is best characterized as a senior captain. 3(1). ** Rittmeister was the rank title for captains of the cavalry branch of service. The book offers interesting facts and figures of every sort, from infantry tactical doctrine through the make-up of a Type General (German pronunciation: [ɡenəˈʁaːl] ⓘ) is the highest rank of the German Army and German Air Force. The highest rank of the combined SS (Gesamt-SS) was that of Reichsführer-SS; however, there was no Waffen-SS equivalent to this position. German Army Ranks, 1933-45. ii. Women's uniformed auxiliary forces include signal services for the Army, Navy, and Air Force; antiaircraft personnel for the Air Force; and remount units for the Army. jpg 14,066 × 10,525; 21. The rank was only used in the German army's heavy artillery branch (Fußartillerie) before 1919 and commonly established with the founding of the Reichswehr. Sep 7, 2020 · WWII German Army Uniforms Caps Shoulder straps Collar patches Rank insignia Poster Chart US Army 1942 US Government National Archives NARA Unrestricted Public domain 44-pa-0856. All Nazi Party-related ranks and titles (as per the SS) have been discarded. GERMAN ARMY WEHRMACHTBEAMTEN RANKS: I. Translated as "senior lance-corporal", in World War II the rank was normally given to soldiers who had command over small squads or to those soldiers who held the rank of Gefreiter and below. Learn about the collar patches, uniforms, and rank structure of the German army during the Second World War. [2] Reproduction WW2 German Army Insignia Rank Trade Badges. The three primary branches of the Wehrmacht were the Heer (army), Luftwaffe (air force), and Kriegsmarine (navy). While many ranks might have equivalents in other air forces, in reality the Luftwaffe military had a far greater responsibility; while officers of the Royal Air Force, the British Air Force, were graded to a higher rank when performing higher rank functions, Luftwaffe officers maintained their rank while performing functions, regardless of size Enlisted Ranks of the Army, SS and Luftwaffe This resource page shows the enlisted ranks of the army, SS and the air force. Army Badges and Insignia of World War 2 Book One (Zweite Ausgabe). [2] Rank insignia of a Schütze of the Heer until 1942 (the rank of Schütze became Grenadier after 1942) Aug 17, 2009 · Regarding the typical commander ranks, please note that the German army was not that hung up on what rank commanded what unit. ' defence force ') were the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945. Military terms borrowed from other languages in use during the first World War and earlier have frequently been replaced in the present German Army by German equivalents. AchtungPanzer. Kriegsmarine styles of uniform and insignia had many features in Figures 1 and 2 show tables of U. US public doc. Apr 23, 2025 · Wehrmacht, the armed forces of the Third Reich. Archived from the original on 2006-01-17. The rank insignia is a silver oakleaf cluster with a silver pip (star). k. New & Restocked Items (05-16-25) Mar 24, 2013 · For the purchasing of many fine military-related books, contact Roger Bender Publishing or Mr. The German army of the Second World War was a highly complex and organized institution, with a rank structure that is often misunderstood. This article incorporates information from the equivalent article on this wikiNo language provided for the interwiki translation template! The Nazi rank structure compares the ranks of the German Wehrmacht to a number of national-socialist organisations in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945 in a synoptic table. . Welcome to our comprehensive range of quality WW2 German Insignia and Badges for Army, Luftwaffe, Waffen SS, and Kriegsmarine uniforms. None. The rank expansion took place gradually between 1930 and 1932, with the final addition being the creation of a rank of SA- Obergruppenführer , which We cater to the aficionados of authenticity – the "hardcore" reenactors, discerning collectors, and museums. Selection of SS cuffbands Sep 26, 2022 · ONI JAN 1 Uniforms and Insignia Page 015 German Army Wehrmacht WW2 Sleeve insignia. The OF-3 equivalent of the German Navy is the Korvettenkapitän. The ranks of the German Armed Forces, (in German: Bundeswehr), were set up by the President with the Anordnung des Bundespräsidenten über die Dienstgradbezeichnungen und die Uniform der Soldaten on the basis of section 4, paragraph 3 of the Soldatengesetz (federal law concerning the legal status of soldiers). Here are the general ranks in the German Army during World War II, listed in descending order: Generalfeldmarschall (General Field Marshal): This was the highest rank in the German Army and was reserved for only the most accomplished and distinguished military commanders. ' assault unit leader ' [1]) was a Nazi Party paramilitary rank equivalent to major [2] that was used in several Nazi organizations, such as the SA, SS, and the NSFK. The rank is rated OF-9 in NATO. In the NATO military comparison system, a German Oberleutnant is the equivalent of a first lieutenant in the Army/Air Forces of Allied nations. The German Army of the Nazi era inherited its uniforms and rank structure from the Reichsheer of the Weimar republic (1921–1935), many of whose traditions went back to the Imperial Army of the German Empire and earlier. General der Panzertruppe (Heer), General der Flieger (Luftwaffe). Item Number: 84644. Germany German WW2 Army Ranks. Army's Handbook on German Forces - others here can comment on the things they got wrong - and the Osprey 5-part series on German Army does go into a bit of detail on the officer/NCO aspirant and cadet systems and the wartime changes. Bloomington, IN The German Army (German: Heer, 'army') is the land component of the armed forces of Germany. Categories. More ranks also involved more opportunity for promotion and served as a means to distinguish highly successful political leaders from others who might hold the same Color poster showing the insignia, patches, hats and uniforms of the German army. Uniforms & Traditions of the German Army, 1933–1945, Vol. [1] / Company Sergeant-major ranks in the British Army. The revised editions as well as the new volumes in the series will be highly welcomed by all interested in German military organization in World War II. The German Army used a system of colors to denote various branches. German Army Uniforms and Insignia 1933-1945. dempy gipq fljkzz mffqi iyugtj dzgtz xkqs mkknpy wkwr gvfs