General Admiral

In the German Kriegsmarine, of the Second World War, General Admiral (in German: Generaladmiral) was a rank considered senior to an Admiral, but junior to a Grand Admiral. Generaladmiral was a four-star admiral rank, as in the traditional German ranking system until WW II an Admiral is equivalent to a British or American Vice Admiral.

Related Topics:
Kriegsmarine - Second World War - Admiral - Grand Admiral

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The sleeve insignia for a General Admiral was the same as a regular Admiral, being that of a thick rank stripe below three regular stripes. General Admirals wore a third pip on their shoulder boards to differentiate between regular Admirals. The German Army and Air Force equivalent of General Admiral was the rank Colonel General.

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In 1943, a directive was issued that should the Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine (Commander of the Navy) hold the rank of General Admiral, then the sleeve insignia for a Grand Admiral could be worn, while still wearing the shoulder boards of a General Admiral.

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A similar practice was used earlier in the German Army, allowing Colonel Generals to wear four pips on a shoulder board when engaged in duties befitting a Field Marshal.

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The rank of General Admiral was first given to the future Grand Admiral Erich Raeder on 20 April1936.

Related Topics:
Grand Admiral - Erich Raeder - 20 April - 1936

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Other holders of the title were:

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It it interesting to note that Karl Dönitz was made Grand Admiral without becoming a

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General Admiral first.

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