Official Numbers of German Naval Personnel

Official Numbers of German Naval Personnel. A simplified system of official numbers (Stammrollennummern) was introduced in December, 1941, to take effect from 1st January, 1942. It only applies, however, to entries after that date, and the old system remains in force for previous entries.

Old System. Typical numbers which may be taken as examples are: N 1329/37 S and O 151/41 T.

1. All entries into the Kriegsmarine are divided between depôts (Stamm-marineteile) of the Admiral Commanding the Baltic and the Admiral Commanding the North Sea, and bear a distinguishing letter either ( (Ostsee) or N (Nordsee), accordingly.

2. 1329 and 151 are the serial numbers of the individuals (Jahrgangsnummer).

3. 37 and 41 are the years of entry (Einstellungsjahrgang), viz.: 1937 and 1941.

4. The letters after the numbers refer to the branch of the service to which the man belongs (Ausbildungszeichen). The following are known:
S stands for Seemännische (Seaman branch)
T stands for Technische (Technical)
KS stands for Küstenschule (Coastal school)
KT stands for (not known, possibly Kustentechnische - Coastal Technical).
ES stands for Ersatzseemännische (Reserve Seaman branch)
ET stands for Ersatztechnische (Reserve Technical branch)
E stands for Ersatz (Reserve)

U-Boat personnel are understood to have the letter U prefixed to the O or N.
New System:
1. O and N are retained as before.
2. The letters after the name disappear as a general rule. Conscripts (Dienstpflichtige), however, bear the letter D.
3. Naval recruits, continuous service volunteers (Flottenrekruten), (Ungedienende Freiwillige) and all members of the shore establishments (Küstendienst) are given uneven numbers by the Baltic Station and even numbers by the North Sea Station, e.g.: O 101/42, N 102/42, O 103/42 D.

4. Recruits in Laufbahnen (see Appendix I) XIV, XV and XVIII, (Marienartillerie, Kraftfahrer and Flugmelde), receive their numbers similarly with the letter K added, e.g.: N 52/42 K.

5. The Marinestammregiment Beveloo (Belgium) (believed to be Marinestosstruppen) keep their previous system, numbers and suffixed letters, but the letters M St. R are substituted for O and N., e.g.: M St. R 30100 S.

6. On being moved from one depôt to the other the letter of the new station is prefixed to the letter of the old. On return to the original depôt the new letter is once more dropped. This applies to pre-1942 numbers as well, e.g.: ON 951/41 S.

7. Identification discs (Erkennungsmarken) are in future to bear the word "Kriegsmarine" for all members of the Navy, with the official number and the letter for the blood group of the man, e.g.:
B
Kriegsmarine
202/42 K
-------------
B
Kriegsmarine
202/42 K

The owner's name will apparently not be shown.

A comprehensive listing of Job/training specialities and positions and what they represent in English. This resource can make it simpler to research and title items accurately.

Abteilungsarzt Battalion Physician
Abteilungschef im Reichskriegs-Ministerium Departmental Head in the War Office
Abteilungskommandeur Battalion Commander
Abteilungsschreiber Battalion Headquarters Clerk
Abteilungsveterinär Battalion Veterinary Doctor
Adjutant Adjutant
Amtsgehilfe Administration Clerical Official in a Department
Amtsobergehilfe Senior Administration Clerical Official in a Department
Amtsrat Senior Administration Official
Arbeiter Labourer
Arzt Physician
Auswerter Plotter / Evaluator
Autoschlosser Motor Vehicle Mechanic
Bäckermeister Master Baker
Bataillonsarzt Battalion Physician
Bataillonskommandeur Battalion Commander
Bataillonsveterinär Battalion Veterinary Doctor
Batterieführer Battery Commander
Batterieoffizier Firing Battery Commander
Batterieschreiber Battery Headquarters Clerk
Beamter Armed Forces Civil Servant / Government Service Official / Civilian Employee in Military Service
Beobachter Observer
Beobachtungsoffizier Observation Officer
Beschlagschmied Farrier / Horse(shoe) Smith
Betreuungsoffizier Entertainment Officer
Betriebmeister Managerial Works Supervisor
Betriebsleiter Managerial Works Leader
Bibliothekar Librarian
Blechschuster Tin Smith
Bootsmann Boat Operator
Botenmeister Messenger
Chef des Stabes Chief of Staff
Direktor Director
Direktor bei der Heeresfeuerwerker und Panzertruppenschule Director of the Army Ordnance and Panzer Troop Schools
Direktor bei der Heeres-Plankammer Director of the Army Chamber of Planning
Direktor beim Heeresarchiv Wien Director of the Army Archives at Vienna
Direktor beim Heeresmuseum Berlin-Zeughaus Director of the Army Museum at Berlin-Zeughaus
Direktor des Heerestechnischen Buros Director of the Army Technical Bureau
Divisionionsarzt Division Physician
Divisonskommandeur Division Commander
Dolmetscher Interpreter
Dreher Lathe Operator
Drucker Printer
Elektriker Electrician
Elektromechaniker Electro Mechanic
Entfernungsmesser Rangefinder / Distance Measurer
Erkunder Scout
Erkundungsoffizier Observation Officer
Facharbeiter Specialist
Fachschulrektor Headmaster of a Technical School
Fachstudiendirektor Deputy Director of Technical Studies
Fachstudienrat Instructor in Technical Studies
Fahnenschmied Farrier NCO
Fahrer Driver
Fahrer vom Bock Wagoner (the driver of a horse-drawn vehicle sitting on the driver's seat [the box])
Fahrer vom Sattel Horse Team Leader (the driver of a horse-drawn vehicle sitting on one of the horses)
Feinmechaniker Optics Technician
Feldbischof Chaplain-General to the Forces
Feldfunksprecher Field Radio Operator
Feldgendarm Military Policeman
Feldkoch Cook
Feldkochunteroffizier Cook NCO
Feldwebel Sergeant
Fernsprecher Telephonist
Festungsoberwerkmeister Fortifications NCO in Charge of a Workshop
Festungswerkmeister Fortifications NCO in a Workshop
Feuerwerker Ordnance NCO / Pyrotechnician / Military Artificer
Flakwaffenwart Antiaircraft Weapon Armorer
Flugmeldeauswerter Air Observation Evaluator
Flugmelder Air Observer
Führer Leader
Führer der Gefechtsfahrzeuge Leader of the Company / Battery Vehicles
Funker Radio Operator
Funkmeister Senior Radio Operator
Funkwart Radio Repairman
Futtermeister Fodder NCO
Gaschützunteroffizier Chemical Warfare NCO
Gefechtsschreiber Headquarters Clerk
Generalintendant General Commisariat Commander
Generalstabintendant General Staff Commisariat Commander
Gerätverwalter Equipment Administrator
Gerätwart Equipment Repairman
Geschützbedienung Gun Crew
Geschützführer Gun Layer / Gun Captain / Gun Commander
Getreibeschlosser Drive Train Mechanic
Gewerbeoberlehrer Senior Teacher in Trade Subjects
Gruppenführer Section Leader Also a General Rank for the SS and other political/paramilitary formations
Gruppenintendant Army Group Commisariat Commander
Handelsoberlehrer Senior Teacher in Commercial Subjects
Handwerker Craftsman
Haptfeldwebel Senior Company NCO / Company First Sergeant
Hauptwachmeister Senior Battery NCO / Battery First Sergeant
Hauswart Caretaker
Heeresarchivdirektor Army Archive Director
Heeresarchivrat Army Archival Advisor
Heeresbaudirektor Director of Army Building or Construction
Heeresforstamtsmann Administration Official in the Army Forestry Commission
Heeresforstmeister Army Forestry Commissioner
Heereshauptwerkmeister Army Workshop Superintendent
Heeresintendant Army Commisary
Heeresjustizamtmann Army Judicial Service
Heeresjustizwachtmeister Army Court Martial Orderly NCO
Heereslandwirtschaftrat Councillor in the Army Agricultural Department
Heeresmachinenmeister Army Master Machinist / Mechanic
Heeresmaschinenbaudirektor Director of Army Construction Machinery
Heeresmusikinspizient Director of Army Music
Heeresoberförster Army Forester
Heeresoberforstmeister Senior Army Forestry Commissioner
Heeresoberpfarrer Senior Army Chaplain
Heeresoberwerkmeister Army Workshop Superintendent
Heerespfarrer Army Chaplain
Heeresrevierförster Army Forestry Official
Heeressattlermeister Army Master Saddler
Heeresschneidermeister Army Master Tailor
Heeresschuhmachermeister Army Master Shoemaker / Cobbler
Heeressportlehrer Army Sports Instructor
Heeresunterförster Army Forester
Heereswerkmeister NCO in Charge of an Army Workshop
Heizer Fireman
Hilfsbeobachter Assistant Observer
Hilfsprüfer Assistant Controller
Hiwi (Hilfswilliger) Foreign Volunteer for Military Service
Holzarbeiter Wood Worker
Inspektor (technische and nichttechnische) Official in Technical or Non-Technical Trade
Intendant Administrative Services Official [ranking as Colonel]
Intendanturamtmann Member of an Army Administrative Services Department [ranking as an enlisted man]
Intendanturassessor Administrative Services Official [ranking as Captain]
Intendanturasinspektor Administrative Services Official [ranking as Lieutenant Colonel]
Intendanturrat Administrative Services Official [ranking as Major]
Kanonier Gunner
Kanzleivorsteher Orderly Room - Head Clerk
Kartenzeichner Cartographer
Kartograph Cartographer
Kettenkraftradfahrer Kettenkrad Driver
Klempner Plumber
Koch Cook
Kommandant Commandant
Kommandeur Commander
Kompanieführer Company Commander
Kompanietrossführer Company Train Leader
Kompanietruppführer Company Headquarters Section Leader
Korpsintendant Army Corps Supply Services Official
Korpssattlermeister Army Corps Master Saddler
Kradmelder Motorcycle Messenger
Kraftfahrzeugelektriker Motor Vehicle Electrician
Kraftfahrzeugmotorenschlosser Motor Vehicle Motor Mechanic
Kraftfahrzeugschlosser Motor Vehicle Mechanic
Kraftwagenbeifahrer Motor Vehicle Co-Driver
Kraftwagenfahrer Motor Vehicle Driver
Krankenträger Stretcher Bearer
Kriegsgerichter Judge Advocate General Branch
Kriegsgerichtsrat Member of Court Martial Committee
Laborant Laboratory Technician
Ladeschütze Loader
Lagermeister NCO in a Depot
Lagerwart Depotman
Laufwerkschlosser Running Gear Mechanic
Lehrer Teacher
Leiter Chief Leader
Lichtpauser Photographer
Lithograph Lithographer
Magazinmeister NCO in Charge of a Depot
Maler Painter
Mann Enlisted Man
Mannschaft Enlisted Man / Other Rank
Maschinengewehrschütze Machine Gunner
Meldefahrer Motor Vehicle Messenger
Meldefahrer Messenger (Motor Vehicle)
Melder Messenger / Runner
Meldereiter Messenger (Horse-Mounted)
Ministerial Direktor Minister and Head of a Government Ministry
Ministerialamtsgehilfe Administration Clerical Official in a Ministry
Ministerialbürodirektor Administration Official in a Ministry
Ministerialdirigent Administrative Official in a Ministry (Usually of Generalleutnant Rank)
Ministerialkanzleivorsteher Administration Official - Head Clerk in a Ministry
Ministerialoberamtsgehilfe Senior Administration Clerical Official in a Ministry
Ministerialrat Advisor to the Minister
Ministerialrat (mit den Dienstgradabzeichen des Generales) Advisor to the Minister with the Rank of General
Ministerialregistrator Registrar in a Ministry
Mitarbeiter Assistant Clerk
Motorschlosser Motor Mechanic
Mühlenmeister Master Miller
Munitionskanonier Ammunition Handler (Artillery)
Munitionsschütze Ammunition Handler
Musiker Bandsman
Musikmeister Band Leader
Nachrichtenmechaniker Signals Technician
Nachrichtenoffizier Signal Officer
Nachrichtenunteroffizier Signal NCO
Oberbotenmeister Senior Messenger
Oberfachschullehrer Teacher in an Advanced Technical School
Oberfachschulrat Principal in a Technical School
Oberfachstudiendirektor Director of Technical Studies
Oberfeldapotheker Apothecary
Oberfeldzahlmeister Senor Paymaster
Oberfuttermeister Senior Fodder NCO
Oberheeresarchivrat Army Archival Advisor
Oberinspektor (technisch and nichttechnisch) Senior Official in Tecnhical Trade or Non-Technical Trade
Oberintendanturrat Commisariat
Oberkartograph Senior Cartographer
Oberkriegsgerichtsrat Member of Court Martial Committee
Oberlagermeister Senior NCO in a Depot
Oberlandwirtschaftsrat Agricultural Advisor
Obermaschinist Senior Fitter
Obermusikinspizient Director of Army Music
Oberregierungsbaurat Construction or Building Administration Official
Oberregierungschemiker Chemistry Administration Official
Oberregierungsrat Senior Administration Official
Oberreichskriegsanwalt Judge Advocate General
Oberreichskriegsanwalt Senior Attorney in the War Office
Obersekretär (technisch und nichttechnisch) Senior Secretary in Technical and Non-Technical Trade
Oberstabsapotheker Apothecary
Oberstabzahlmeister Senior Paymaster
Oberstabzahlmeister Senior Administration Official
Oberstapotheker Apothecary
Oberstkriegsgerichtsrat Member of Court Martial Committee
Oberstudiendirektor Army Education Official
Obertrigonometer Trigonometric Official
Oberwaffenmeister Armourer
Oberwerkmeister Senior Workshop Supervisor
Oberzahlmeister Paymaster
Offizier Officer
Ordnanzoffizier Aide (-de-Camp) (Officer)
Ordonnanz Aid (Enlisted)
Panzerbüchsenschütze Antitank Rifleman
Panzerelektromechaniker Armored Vehicle Electrician
Panzerelektroschweisser Armored Vehicle Arc Welder
Panzerführer Armored Vehicle Commander
Panzerfunkwart Armored Vehicle Radio Repairman
Panzergetriebenschlosser Armored Vehicle Drive Train Mechanic
Panzerjägerführer Antitank Vehicle Commander
Panzermotorenschlosser Armored Vehicle Motor Mechanic
Panzerschlosser Armored Vehicle Mechanic
Panzerschützen Infantryman in an Armored Vehicle
Panzerwart Armored Vehicle Mechanic
Peiler Direction Finder
Pferdeführer Horse Leader (driver on foot guiding the horse(s) of a horse-drawn vehicle)
Pferdehalter Horse Holder (Groom)
Pferdewärter Groom (Horse Holder)
Photograph Photographer
Pionier Pioneer / Engineer / Sapper
Planoffizier Triangulation Officer
Postfachkraft Postal Worker
Präparator Candidate
Präsident President
Präsident des Heeresarchives Wien President of the Army Archives at Vienna
Prüfer Accounts Controller
Quartiermeister Quartermaster
Rechner Calculator
Rechnungsführer Accountant
Regierungsbaurat Construction or Building Administration Official
Regierungschemiker Chemistry Administration Official
Regierungsdirektor (Museum Wien) Administration Director of the Vienna Museum
Regierungsrat Administration Official
Regimentsadjutant Regiment Adjutant
Regimentsarzt Regiment Physician
Regimentskommandeur Regiment Commander
Regimentskraftfahroffizier Regiment Motor Officer
Regimentssattlermeister Regimental Master Saddler
Regimentsschreiber Regiment Headquarters Clerk
Regmentsveterinär Regiment Veterinary Doctor
Reichskreigsgerichtswachtmeister State Judicial Service Orderly NCO
Reichskriegsgerichtsrat Army Court Martial Councillor
Richter Judge
Richtkreisunteroffizier Gun Layer NCO / Gun Director NCO
Richtschütze Gunner
Sachbearbeiter Clerk
Sanitätsoffizier Medical Officer
Sanitätsunteroffizier Medical NCO
Sattelpferd Near Horse
Sattler Saddler / Harness Maker
Scherenfernrohrunteroffizier Scissors Telescope NCO
Schirrmeister Foreman / Harness Keeper / Depotkeeper NCO / Maintenance Technical Sergeant
Schleifer Polisher
Schlosser Mechanic
Schmied Smith
Schneider Tailor
Schreiber Recorder
Schumacher / Schuster Shoemaker / Cobbler
Schwadronführer Company Commander (Cavalry Arm)
Schwadrontruppführer Company Headquarters Section Leader (Cavalry Arm)
Schweisser Welder
Sekretär (technisches und nichttechnisches) Secretary in Technical and Non-Technical Trade
Senatspräsident beim Reichskriegsgericht President of a Court Martial
Spähtruppführer Scout Section Leader
Stabsapotheker Chemist
Stabzahlmeister Paymaster
Staffelführer Detachment Leader
Stellmacher Cartwright / Wheelwright
Stellungsunteroffizier Gun Position NCO
Steuermann Helmsman (driver of a boat)
Studiendirektor Army Senior Education Official
Studienrat Army Education Official
Tankwart Fuel Handler
Technischer Oberamtsmann Technical Administration Official
Tischler Joiner / Cabinet Maker
Trigonometer Trigonometric Official
Trossführer Train Leader
Truppenarzt Troop Doctor
Truppführer Team Leader
Unteroffizier NCO
Urkundsbeamter Document Clerk
Verbindungsoffizier Liaison Officer
Vermessungsamtmann Survey Official
Vermessungsdienst Measuring Service
Verpflegungsmann Rations Handler
Verpflegungsunteroffizier Rations NCO
Verwaltungsamtmann Administration Official
Veterinäroffizier Veterinary Officer
Vorgeschobener Beobachter Forward Observer
Vorhandwerker Leading Craftsman
Vorreiter Outrider (Escort on horseback of a horse-drawn vehicle)
Vorstand der Heeres-Plankammer Head of the Army Chamber of Planning
Vorwarner Advance Warning Man
Wächter Watchman / Guard
Waffenmeister Armorer
Waffenmeistergehilfe Assistant Armorer
Waffenmeisterunteroffizier Master Armorer NCO
Waffenoberrevisor Senior Armament Official
Waffenrevisor Armament Official
Waffenunteroffizier Armorer NCO
Wagenbegleiter Escort on foot for a horse-drawn vehicle
Wagenführer Leader of the horse-drawn vehicles in the Train
Wallmeister Fortification Official
Wehrmachtkriegspfarrer Chaplain
Wehrmachtoberpfarrer Senior Chaplain to the Forces
Wehrmachtpfarrer Chaplain to the Forces
Werferführer Launcher or Mortar Gunner
Werkführer Foreman
Werkmeister Foreman / Chief Technician (master at arms in charge of weapon repair)
Werkstättenvorsteher Official in Charge of Workshop
Wermachtdekan Senior Chaplain to the Forces, Army Dean
Zahlmeister Paymaster / Finance Officer
Zeichner Draftsman
Zimmermann Carpenter
Zugführer Platoon Leader
Zugtruppführer Platoon Headquarters Section Leader

Charles Warriner, "Official Numbers of German Naval Personnel", 2010

German Naval Cap Ribbons

I have collected German naval cap ribbons for 12 years. In that time I’ve noticed that cap ribbons were often capriciously attributed to the wrong era in German naval history. I’ve seen modern West German Navy cap ribbons described as "Kriegsmarine" and ribbons of the Weimar Republic described as "Imperial" and so forth. Much of this confusion stems from the lack of information on this subject in English language publications. In this article I will provide the basic information needed to distinguish the cap ribbons of the different eras and will also provide some useful tips on detecting reproductions.

Cap ribbons of the Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy) used latin style large case letters, commonly referred to as block lettering. The ship name was always prefixed by "S.M.S.", meaning "Seiner Majistat Schiff" (His Majesty’s Ship). Gilt wire thread lettering was used for the sailors (Seemannisch), silver wire for technical personnel (Technisches Personal) and colored thread for cadets (Schiffsjungen).

The navy of the Weimar Republic (which succeeded the Monarchy) was called the Reichsmarine (State Navy). The block lettering on the cap ribbons remained the same, but only gilt wire was used. The prefix "S.M.S." was discontinued and replaced by the ship classification (i.e., Kreuzer, Torpedoboot, Linienschiff, etc.). The designation "Linienschiff" was used for the old dreadnoughts or battleships and literally means ship of the line. The block style of lettering was
used until 1930, when in the autumn of that year the gothic style of lettering was adopted. The
Reichsmarine was renamed Kriegsmarine (War Navy) on May 21, 1935 and given a new flag (the Reich War Flag) the following November. Thus the use of gothic lettering predated the name change to Kriegsmarine.

Throughout the existence of the Kriegsmarine the cap ribbons used the gothic style of lettering
in either gilt wire thread or gold colored cotton embroidery (Baumwollstickerei). for security
reasons the wearing of cap ribbons bearing the name of the ship or shore based unit was
prohibited after September 5, 1939. From that date forward only cap ribbons bearing the name
"Kriegsmarine" were allowed to be worn.

From 1945 to 1955, Germany had no navy. The name currently used for the navy of West Germary is Bundesmarine (Federal Navy). During the first year or so of its existence (about 1956) the Bundesmarine used cap ribbons with the same gothic style lettering as used in the Kriegsmarine. As a result, these cap ribbons are often confused with the Kriegsmarine era. Subsequently, the Bundesmarine cap ribbons changed back to a block lettering which is still in use today.

The thread used on Bundesmarine cap ribbons is generally a bright yellow colored synthetic, but occasionally gilt wire thread may be seen. Also, the block lettering is somewhat thinner looking than that used on Reichsmarine or Kaiserliche Marine cap ribbons.

Bundesmarine cap ribbons can often be distinguished from earlier era cap ribbons simply by
noting the type of unit or ship designation used. For example, prior to 1955 the naval units were organized into flotillas and half flotillas. However, Bundesmarine naval units are organized into
geschwader (squadrons). Hence, any cap ribbon using the term "geschwader“ should be instantly recognized as Bundesmarine. Also, cap ribbons bearing the ship classification "fregatte" (frigate) are Bundesmarine.

This brings us to the subject of reproductions. Since reproductions of Imperial cap ribbons are
seldom seen, I will confine my remarks to repros of Kriegsmarine cap ribbons. Some postwar fakes bear the name of a ship for which no cap ribbon ever existed. Any ship commissioned after the start of the war would not have a cap ribbon bearing its name.

Thus, all ’Schlachtschitf Bismark’, ’Schiachtschiff Tirpitz’, and ’Kreuzer Prinz Eugen’ cap ribbons are totally fake!

Another feature common to reproductions is the incorrect style of the letter "s" when used in certain words. On original Kriegsmarine cap ribbons a stroke type of "s" (similar to a small "f" without the crossbar) was used in most instances. For example the words; schiff, schule and zerstorer, on all original Kriegsmarine cap ribbons utilized the stroke type of "s". However, reproductions (to date. ed.) never use the stroke type "s".

The black cap ribbon material used for reproductions tends to be very stiff to the touch and not as supple as that found on originals. Also, reproductions generally use the bright yellow color thread, whereas the nonmetallic thread of originals tends to be more of a golden-yellow color.

I sincerely hope the information contained in this article will prove to be of value to fellow collectors. Much of this material was taken from a two-volume set of books on German cap ribbons "Die Mutzenbander der Kaiserlichen Deutschen Marine 1848- 1920" and "Die Mutzenbander der Deutschen Reichsmarine und der Marine des III. Reichs 1920-1945", by Horst Rivier, published in Germany, 1980.

Representative examples of German naval cap ribbons of the different eras. From top to bottom: Kaiserliche Marine, Reichsmarine, Kriegsmarine, Bundesmarine and a postwar fake. (Not pictured is an example of an early Bandesmarine cap ribbon with gothic style lettering).

Daniel Tarkington, GERMAN NAVAL CAP RIBBONS, Der Gauleiter, 1989

The Kriegsmarie "AFRIKA" Cufftitle

One seldom encountered, yet interesting cuffband, is the German naval version of the "AFRIKA" band which exists in the form of a unit title and as a campaign title. There is, however a lack of detailed information on this cufftitle in its naval form.

What we do know:

It was issued as a unit title to designate actual service with North African based units. It was later considered a naval version of the official campaign service decoration, differing in color from the standard, proscribed pattern issued to the other branches of the Wehrmacht.

Unit Title:

It is known that for a limited time the use of the Army pattern "AFRIKAKORPS" was permitted to be worn by naval personnel, being listed in orders dated 18 July 1941 and again in orders dated 4 November 1941 .

The next style of "AFRIKA" cuff-band was the Latin capital letter pattern for the Luftwaffe units serving in Africa. A number of photographs have been observed showing Kriegsmarine members wearing this pattern having white lettering on cornflower-blue. In addition, examples exist of this style in a naval color pattern of golden-yellow on dark blue. All unit patterns and the Army"AFRIKAKORPS" pattern were worn on the right cuff, and were not allowed to be worn after the wearer had left the African theater. The right to wear these titles was entered into the man's Soldbuch. It was not considered a campaign decoration and as such had no presentation or formal award document (Urkunde).

Campaign Award:

An official commemorative campaign cuff-band was instituted on 15 January1943 and was awarded to those in all branches of the Wehrmacht who had served in the African theater of operations. The pattern was rendered on tanbrown material with silver-grey lettering and matching silver-grey palm trees at either end of the word "AFRIKA". It also had a silver-grey soutache border strip at both top and bottom of the band.

This band was to be worn on the lower left sleeve where all campaign titles were worn. In addition to the title itself, an award document was presented as this was an official campaign decoration. The cuff-band was authorized to be worn on any uniform, and unlike the unit designator pattern, did not have to be removed if no longer serving in Africa.

Naval Variation: ****

For some unknown reason, there exists a naval variation of this campaign title, it appears in naval colors of darkblue with golden-yellow embroidery. The pattern is almost identical in design to the standard pattern, except for its colors. These titles were also issued with an award certificate, most often signed by Konderadmiral Meendsen-Bohlken, Commander of Kriegsmarine forces in Italy (see example of ink-stamped signature on illustrated document).

The following is a translation of the regulations relating to this cuff-band from Marineverordnungsblatt 74, Berlin,1943:

1. The cuff-band was to be awarded via the German Naval Command italy, in the name of the Kriegsmarine High Command.

2. The cuff-band will be awarded with a recipient's document, the said document to be procured from the German Naval Command Italy. A recipient must have fullfiled one of the following requirements:

a. Honorable service in the African theater for ground operations, or for operations at sea from firmly established ports for at least six months.

b. Being wounded in theater during ground operations or operations at sea while operating from firmly established ports.

c. By contracting an incapacitating tropical disease after at least three months. The award is not to be awarded to foreigners. The award is to be entered into personal papers.

3. The award is to be worn on the lower left arm, on tropical, blue and fieldgrey uniforms.

4. All former organizational cuff-bands are to be withdrawn, i.e., the "AFRIKAKORPS" cuff-band.

5. The supply of cuff-bands is to take place via the Naval Superintendant Service Post in Naples.

Variations:

As with all things military, although a regulation may be "etched in stone"variations exist - out of some basic need (greater demand than supply) or the desire to have a better-made and better looking item. A number of unofficial variations exist of the "AFRIKA" pattern cuffband in all forms using different materials (gold bullion embroidery, for example). These naval patterns differ in lettering and borders, base material used, and were normally locally produced. The best proof of originality is still a photograph of the variation in actual use.

Richard W. Mundt, "The Kriegsmarine "AFRIKA" Cuffband", The Military Advisor, 2006

Bender-Publishing.com

E-Boat Badges

The Kriegsmarine, like most navies of the era, commissioned a variety of ships - each of which was designed to fulfill a particular mission. During the First World War, the Italian Navy commissioned small, swift, maneuverable, shallow draft torpedo boats, which were used with great success against the Austrian Navy in the Mediterranean. By the 1930's the torpedo boats and destroyers of World War One had evolved into the larger and more heavily armed corvettes, frigates and destroyers utilized in World War Two. These vessels were too large to operate in coastal waters, so naval designers produced various boats to protect coastal areas from naval attack. The Americans referred to their boats as P.T.'s and the British referred to theirs as M.T.B.'s. The Kriegsmarine actually had two types of vessels, Schnellbooten and Rammbooten, which the British Admiralty referred to interchangeably as E-Boats,without any apparent reason.

The Germans constructed approximately 200 Schnellbooten and 200 Rammbooten between 1933 and 1944. Two classes of each type of vessel were commissioned. The first Schnellbooten (Hull Nos. 5- 7, 8, 10-18), 2337 were constructed between 1933 and 1939. This class was 93 feet long, displaced 62 tons, carried two 19.7" torpedo tubes, two 1 pound anti-aircraft guns and one 20mm anti-aircraft gun. It was operated by a crew of 17 and had a maximum speed of 30-33 knots. The second class (Hull Nos. 38-57 and 58- 204) were constructed between 1939-40 and 1941-44. These boats were 105 feet long, displaced 86 tons, carried two 19.7" torpedo tubes and two 4 7mm anti-aircraft guns. They were also operated by a crew of 17 and had a maximum speed of 36 knots. The first group of Rammbooten (Hull Nos. 1-16) was built between 1930 and 1934. This class of boat was 85 feet long, displaced 45 tons and carried one 1 pound antiaircraft gun. It was operated by a crew of 15 and had a maximum speed of only 18 knots. The second class (Hulll Nos. 18-40 and 41-?) was constructed from 1935-39 and from 1940-44. This class was 85 feet long, displaced 90 tons and carried two 1 pound anti-aircraft guns. It was operated by a crew of 17 and had a maximum speed of 18 knots. The distinction between the two was principally that Schnellbooten were designed as torpedo attack boats, while Rammbooten were designed as motor minesweepers. The latter did not require the speed or armament of the former, yet both were encountered in all combat zones laying mines and harassing Allied shipping.

For example, E-Boats accompanied the Kriegsmarine capital ships to Norway in 1940, saw extensive service in the Mediterranean, escorted the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen in February, 1942, and attacked Allied shipping in the Atlantic Ocean, English Channel and Baltic Sea. When the first rumors of the Allied invasion of Normandy began to circulate through the German Command on the night of June 5/6,1944, Lt. Commander Heinrich Hoffman lead three E-Boats of his 5th E-Boat Flotilla from La Havre to search for the Allied fleet. Hoffman eventually encountered an eerie fog, and after pushing through, ran into the Royal Navy. Hoffman's boats attacked, launched 18 torpedoes and withdrew. One torpedo sunk the Norwegian destroyer Svenner. Although Hoffman was unable to alert German commands of the presence of the Allied invasion fleet until he returned to base due to the destruction of his radio, his flotilla was the only German naval unit to engage the Allies on June 6. E-Boats from Cherbourg claimed to have engaged Allied shipping on the morning of June 7, however, Allied naval units failed to report their attack. Nevertheless, the E-Boats saw a large amount of action; and it is estimated more than 140 were lost to Allied naval and aerial attack.

Before May, 1941, E-Boat crewman were awarded the Destroyer War Badge after participating in 12 operational sorties or being wounded in action. On May 30, 1941, the Berlin firm of Peckhaus released a new badge authorized for wear by qualified E- Boat crewman. Original badges were well made and measure approximately 1.75 inches wide by 2.25 inches long. I have encountered badges which are seven-eights of the size of the original badges; however, they are reproductions made from the original dies.

In 1943, Peekhaus released a second version of the E-Boat Badge. Absolutely no reason for the change of the design is known, however this is the only war badge to be redesigned during the war.

Both versions of the E-Boat Badge followed a similar design. In the center, an E- Boat is cruising toward the viewer's left with a visible wake at the bow. The E-Boat is surrounded by a wreath of oakleaves with the national emblem at the top. In both badges the E-Boat is silvered metal, the waves are darkened metal and the wreath and national emblem are gilted.

The second version is easily distinguished from the first. It is larger, measuring approximately 2" wide by 2.25" long. The proportions of each element of the second version of the badge are larger than the first, with the tip of the E-boat's bow actually breaking beyond the right exterior of the wreath. The national emblem appears to be almost twice the size as that of the first version, with the swastika extending further into the void between the wreath and the cabin house of the E-Boat.

Both versions of the E-boat badge were affixed to the uniform by a wide, flat horizontal pin positioned behind the E-Boat. The pin is affIxed to the badge by a heavy hinge on the right side and a sturdy catch on the left side of the badge's reverse. Additionally, a hook is found behind the national emblem, which was used to hook the top of the badge to the uniform to protect it from flapping.

Reproductions of both badges frequently utilize a thin round vertical pin with flimsy hinge and catch. The detail and construction of many reproductions is poor, although some reproductions of reasonable quality have been encountered.

The following books were used in preparing this article and are recommended for further reading. Morrison, US. Naval Operations In World War II: Operations In North African Waters, Little, Brown (Boston, 1968) , Ruge, Der Seekreig, U.S. Naval Institute (Annapolis, 1957) Morrison, U.S. Naval Operations·In World War II- The Invasion of France and Germany, Little, Brown (Boston,. 1964) Jane's Fighting Ships 1944-45, Arno Publishing Co. Inc. (New York, 1971) Von Der Porten, The German Navy in World War Two, Crowell (New York, 1969) MacIntyre, The Naval War Against Hitler, Scribners (New York, 1971) Morrison: U.S. Naval Operations In World War II: Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Little, Brown (Boston, 1968) Ryan, The Longest Day, Simon and Schuster (New York, 1959) Dodkins and Littlejohn, Orders, Decorations, Medals and Badges of the Third Reich, Bender Publishing, (Mountain View, CA, 1970)

Robert McCarthy and Philip Carson, "Coastal Craft Badges", Der Gauleiter, 1991

The Admiral's Rare Badge

On July 20, 1944 Vice Admiral Karl Jesko v. Puttkamer was wounded in the bomb blast at Wolfsschanze, Hitler's headquarters near Rastenburg. He was Hitler's adjutant to the Kriegsmarine and was sitting seven places to the right of Hitler when the bomb exploded.

As John Toland describes it in his book "Adolf Hitler", 1976, Doubleday & Co. Inc., "At exactly 12:45 PM flames shot up and a hail of glass splinters, timber and plaster rained down. Smoke erupted in the room. Admiral von Puttkamer had felt a strange jerk a split second before the explosion... He followed Hitler and Keitel down the long corridor. Outside a knee gave and he collapsed on the ground..."

This badge was purchased directly from Admiral Puttkamer in 1959 by S.W. Bumball, who was an early collector-dealer of Third Reich relics. His list of 1961 shows an Infantry Standarte at $12.50; General's shoulder boards from the uniform of General Friedrich v. Paulus for $17.; a 20 July 1944 Wound Badge and cased Award Citation for Admiral Hans Erich Voss, $300.; (I also note that Bumball was the first person in the U.S.A. to have the Voss badge, case, documents, and all!); Original watercolor, postcard size, done by and signed on the front by Adolf Hitler in full. The card was sent by an officer in Hitler's World War One Division and still has the original stamp and World War One postmark. This item was $500.

Mr. Bumball later stated in a letter that he sold Admiral Puttkamer's 20 July 1944 Wound Badge to Norm Fladerman for $50. Times sure have changed in thirty years.

Shown here is the Admiral's badge, its in silver with great luster. It has the usual wide pin back and is deeply struck with "800" and "L/12" marks. The badge is cased exactly like the Voss 20 July 1944 Badge pictured on page 270 of "For Fuhrer & Fatherland" vol. 1. Only five of this rare badge can be attributed as awarded. Here is one of them. A great badge for the Admiral!

Charles Snyder, "The Admiral's Rare Badge", Der Gauleiter, 1996

Note: The photo in DG of the badge was quite poor, so I have included a photo of another 20 July wound badge for those who are not aquainted with what they look like. I doubt the one in the photo is original, but it serves as an example. Bob

Uniforms of the Kriegsmarine

The everyday uniform of the Kreigsmarine officer was a blue, douple breasted tunic, blue trousers, and blue peaked cap. The tunic had 10 anchor embossed buttons which were gold in color, and the usual gold bullion eagle and swastika below the right shoulder. Rank was shown on this jacket through gold stripes which appeared on the lower sleeves. A white shirt and black tie was worn beneath the tunic and black shoes were also worn. The peaked cap which completed this uniform was slightly different than those worn by the Luftwaffe and Heer in that it was of a wider construction. A leather strap was worn in place of a cord. The cap insignia were made of gold bullion or yellow thread. The Kreigsmarine eagle and cockade insignia also differed from those worn by the other services, as the eagle was a bit shorter and the cockade rose higher.

The officer's summer or tropical uniform was a single breasted white tunic. It had four patch pockets and rank was shown on shoulder straps much like those worn by the army. It also had an open collar ana gold metal pin but sometimes a gold bullion eagle was substituted. Either blue or white trousers could be worn. The early jackets of this style; had a stand-up collar but in most respects the two styles were alike. A white peaked cap was worn with this uniform.

A frock coat was worn when full dress uniform was required. With this outfit rank was shown on both epilettes and sleeves. Blue trousers were worn, along with a cocked hat. For less formal occasions, this same frock was worn but epaulettes were replaced by shoulder straps. Buttons and other insignia were all in gold. Again black shoes were worn with a white shirt and black bow tie.

KREIGSMARINE SLEEVE RANK INSIGNIA: OFFICERS

Generaladmiral - Admiral 1 broad & 4 regular stripes.

Admiral - Admiral 1 broad & 3 regular stripes.

Vizeadmiral - Vice Admiral 1 broad & 2 regular stripes.

Konteradmiral-Rear Admiral 1 broad & 1 regular stripe.

Kapitian zur See - Captain 4 regular stripes.

Korvettenkapitian-Commander, 3 regular stripes

Kapitianleutnant - Lt. Commander 2 regular & 1 small stripe between.

Oberleutnant - Lieutenant 2 regular stripes

Leutnant - SubLieutenant 1 regular stripe.

N.C. MONDAY", "Uniforms of the Kriegsmarine", "Das Hakenkreuz", 1971

Kriegsmarine Daggers

The U-boat Dagger

The Kriegsmarine dagger was closely modelled on earlier weapons of the Kaiser's Navy and the Reichsmarine. Featuring a long narrow stilleto-style blade which was available either plain or more commonly etched with naval motifs, the dagger had gilded brass fittings with an anchor motif on the crosspiece and a pommel in the shape of a Wehrmacht style eagle with folded wings. The handle was generally of wood with a covering of white cellulose and featured a spiralled twist, the depths of which contained a twisted gold wire thread. Extra cost versions were available with genuine solid ivory handles.

The dagger was contained in a gilded-brass scabbard with twin band carrying rings for the suspension straps. The standard scabbard featured a decorative etched design but here again a range of extra cost options were available providing much more elaborate features, the scabbard with an overall hammered finish being the most popular alternative.

The vast majority of naval daggers carried a basic, standard etch pattern to the blade, but occasionally examples will be found with special dedications or other features on the blades which identify them as having belonged to members of the U-Boat arm. Such examples are highly sought after by collectors. Other examples may be encountered with names, coats of arms or initials, etc., engraved on the scabbard which the dedicated collector may be able to link to a specific individual.

The dagger was suspended by two separate hanging straps, made from black moire silk and with gilt spring-clip fastenings and lion head buckles. The dagger could be worn by junior NCOs without a portepee and by senior NCO ranks and officers with portepee.

The portepee was made from silver or aluminium wire (the silver version often age-toning to a gold-like hue) with a large ball pommel. The cord of the portepee was tied first around the pommel of the dagger, passing down the length of the handle to be wrapped in a complex knot pattern around the crossguard.

Although officers were also entitled to wear the sword on occasion, photographs of U-Boat officers wearing edged weapons on formal occasions such as the commissioning of a boat, will predominantly show the dagger being worn.

The Honor Dagger

A small number of particularly successful V-Boat commanders received the Honor Dagger (Ehrendolch) of the Navy. This beautifully crafted weapon displayed a number of deluxe features.

The Carl Eickhorn firm in Solingen was contracted by the Kriegsmarine to produce this special dagger as a special presentation piece to be awarded by the Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine. The scabbard was richly embossed with a decorative oakleaf design and a fouled anchor between the scabbard bands. It featured a genuine ivory handle with, instead of the normal gold wire, a wrap of intricate oakleave design. The blade was crafted from genuine damascus steel and most impressivley, set within the swastika grasped by the eagle on the pommel, were 17 tiny rose-cut diamonds.

The first such dagger awarded to a U-Boat commander went to Gunther Prien. The blade ricasso featured, in raised gilded letters, the inscription "Dem UbootsiegeTiRaeder/31 December 1939." This inscription remained, with only the date of the award changing, until Raeder's resignation and his replacement by Karl Donitz. The dagger awarded by Donitz carried the inscription "Dem Tapferen U-Bootskommandant/Donitz/Date."

It is believed that only six such daggers were made for V-Boat commanders, these being:
Gunther Prien, Otto Kretschmer, Erich Topp, Reinhard Suhren, Wolfgang Luth, Albrecht Brandi, With literally only a handful ever awarded, originals of the Ehrendolch are of the utmost rarity and command huge sums on the rare occasions that one may come onto the market.

Gordon Willaimson: "Torpedo Los! The Fascinating World of U-boat Collectibles, R. James Bender Publishing, 2006

www.bender-publishing.com