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Until 1940, the highest rank in the German military was {{lang|de|]}} ({{translation|general field marshal}}). At the beginning of ], the only active holder of that rank was Hermann Göring, ]. In ], after winning the ], ] promoted twelve generals to the rank of ''Generalfeldmarschall''. During the same ceremony, Göring was promoted to the newly created rank of ''Reichsmarschall'' to placate his thirst for prestige{{efn|Göring also held many other prestigious titles, such as {{lang|de|Reichsjägermeister}} (Reich Master of the Hunt) and ].}}{{sfn|Haskew|2011|pp=25, 46, 119}} and to highlight his position as senior to the other ''Wehrmacht'' commanders, without giving him any actual authority over them. This was done in order to ensure that the newly created '']'' (OKW), the High Command of the German Armed Forces, which was headed by Hitler, would retain overall control and authority over the German military. Until 1940, the highest rank in the German military was {{lang|de|]}} ({{translation|general field marshal}}). At the beginning of ], the only active holder of that rank was Hermann Göring, ]. In ], after winning the ], ] promoted twelve generals to the rank of ''Generalfeldmarschall''. During the same ceremony, Göring was promoted to the newly created rank of ''Reichsmarschall'' to placate his thirst for prestige{{efn|Göring also held many other prestigious titles, such as {{lang|de|Reichsjägermeister}} (Reich Master of the Hunt) and ].}}{{sfn|Haskew|2011|pp=25, 46, 119}} and to highlight his position as senior to the other ''Wehrmacht'' commanders, without giving him any actual authority over them. This was done in order to ensure that the newly created '']'' (OKW), the High Command of the German Armed Forces, which was headed by Hitler, would retain overall control and authority over the German military.


Göring was also designated as the Hitler's successor. Nevertheless, on 23 April 1945, when ] of the crumbling remains of Nazi Germany, Hitler relieved Göring of his duties and named a new successor in ], Grand Admiral ]. Dönitz's appointment was made on or before the day of ].{{sfn|O'Donnell|1979|p=217}} Göring was also designated as Hitler's successor. Nevertheless, on 23 April 1945, when ] of the crumbling remains of Nazi Germany, Hitler relieved Göring of his duties and named a new successor in ], Grand Admiral ]. Dönitz's appointment was made on or before the day of ].{{sfn|O'Donnell|1979|p=217}}


==Standards== ==Standards==

Revision as of 12:56, 11 December 2022

Military rank Not to be confused with Marshal of the Realm (Denmark) or Marshal of the Realm (Sweden). This article is about the military rank in Nazi Germany. For the Reichserzmarschall in the Holy Roman Empire, see Prince-elector § High_offices.

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Reichsmarschall
Standard from 1941 to 1945 (left side)
Collar insignia
Shoulder boards
Country Nazi Germany
Service branchWehrmacht
Formation12th century (historical)
19 July 1940
Abolished1945
Next lower rankGeneralfeldmarschall
Großadmiral

Reichsmarschall (Template:Lang-de; lit. 'Reich Marshal of the Greater German Reich') was a rank and the highest military office in the Wehrmacht specially created for Hermann Göring during World War II. It was senior to the rank of Generalfeldmarschall, which was previously the highest rank in the Wehrmacht.

History

Until 1940, the highest rank in the German military was Generalfeldmarschall (transl. general field marshal). At the beginning of World War II, the only active holder of that rank was Hermann Göring, Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe. In a ceremony on 19 July 1940, after winning the Battle of France, Hitler promoted twelve generals to the rank of Generalfeldmarschall. During the same ceremony, Göring was promoted to the newly created rank of Reichsmarschall to placate his thirst for prestige and to highlight his position as senior to the other Wehrmacht commanders, without giving him any actual authority over them. This was done in order to ensure that the newly created Oberkommando Der Wehrmacht (OKW), the High Command of the German Armed Forces, which was headed by Hitler, would retain overall control and authority over the German military.

Göring was also designated as Hitler's successor. Nevertheless, on 23 April 1945, when Göring suggested to Hitler that he assume leadership of the crumbling remains of Nazi Germany, Hitler relieved Göring of his duties and named a new successor in his last will and testament, Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz. Dönitz's appointment was made on or before the day of Hitler's suicide.

Standards

  • Standard from 1940 to 1941 (left side) Standard from 1940 to 1941 (left side)
  • Standard from 1940 to 1941 (right side) Standard from 1940 to 1941 (right side)
  • Standard from 1941 to 1945 (left side) Standard from 1941 to 1945 (left side)
  • Standard from 1941 to 1945 (right side) Standard from 1941 to 1945 (right side)

Uniform

Notes

  1. Göring also held many other prestigious titles, such as Reichsjägermeister (Reich Master of the Hunt) and Commissioner Plenipotentiary of the Four-Year Plan.

References

  1. Haskew 2011, p. 46.
  2. Haskew 2011, pp. 25, 46, 119.
  3. O'Donnell 1979, p. 217.

Bibliography

  • Haskew, Michael (2011). The Wehrmacht. Amber Books. ISBN 978-1-907446-95-5.
  • O'Donnell, James P. (1979). The History of the Reich Chancellery Group. London, UK: J. M. Dent. OCLC 638799214.
Junior rank
Generalfeldmarschall
(Army and Luftwaffe)
Großadmiral
(Kriegsmarine)
(Ranks Wehrmacht)
Reichsmarschall 		Senior rank
None
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