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'''{{lang|de|Reichsmarschall}}''' ({{lang-de|Reichsmarschall des Großdeutschen Reiches}}; {{literally|[[Reich]] [[Marshal]] of the Greater German Reich}}) was a specially created rank and the highest military office in the ''[[Wehrmacht]]'' during [[World War II]]. It was equivalent to a six star general and was senior to the five star rank of [[Generalfeldmarschall]], which was previously the highest rank in the Wehrmacht.{{sfn|Haskew|2011|p=46}} |
'''{{lang|de|Reichsmarschall}}''' ({{lang-de|Reichsmarschall des Großdeutschen Reiches}}; {{literally|[[Reich]] [[Marshal]] of the Greater German Reich}}) was a specially created rank and the highest military office in the ''[[Wehrmacht]]'' during [[World War II]]. It was equivalent to a six star general and was senior to the five star rank of ''[[Generalfeldmarschall]]'', which was previously the highest rank in the Wehrmacht.{{sfn|Haskew|2011|p=46}} |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Until 1940 the highest rank in the German military was {{lang|de|[[Generalfeldmarschall]]}} ({{translation|general field marshal}}). At the beginning of [[World War II]], the only active holder of that rank was [[Hermann Göring]], [[Oberkommando der Luftwaffe#Organization|Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe]]. On [[1940 Field Marshal Ceremony|19 July 1940]], after winning the [[Battle of France]], [[Adolf Hitler|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{{efn|Göring also held many other prestigious titles, such as {{lang|de|Reichsjägermeister}} (Reich Master of the Hunt) and [[Four-Year Plan|Commissioner Plenipotentiary of the Four-Year Plan]].}}{{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 ''[[Oberkommando der Wehrmacht|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. |
Until 1940 the highest rank in the German military was {{lang|de|[[Generalfeldmarschall]]}} ({{translation|general field marshal}}). At the beginning of [[World War II]], the only active holder of that rank was [[Hermann Göring]], [[Oberkommando der Luftwaffe#Organization|Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe]]. On [[1940 Field Marshal Ceremony|19 July 1940]], after winning the [[Battle of France]], [[Adolf Hitler|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{{efn|Göring also held many other prestigious titles, such as {{lang|de|Reichsjägermeister}} (Reich Master of the Hunt) and [[Four-Year Plan|Commissioner Plenipotentiary of the Four-Year Plan]].}}{{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 ''[[Oberkommando der Wehrmacht|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. |
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The rank of Reichsmarschall was equivalent to [[General of the Armies]] in the [[United States Army]], senior to that of a five star general, meaning it was a six star rank. Because of Görings influence in the Nazi |
The rank of ''Reichsmarschall'' was equivalent to [[General of the Armies]] in the [[United States Army]], senior to that of a five star general, meaning it was a six star rank. Because of Görings influence in the Nazi Party's upbringings, Hitler saw him as more than a field marshal, which is why he created a new rank. Along with it being the highest rank in the ''[[Wehrmacht]]'', ''Reichsmarschall'' was also a political rank that gave Göring much more influence throughout the [[Greater Germanic Reich]], since he was the one and only person to hold the position. The duty of the ''Reichsmarschall'' expanded from not only the military, but political affairs and management of the Reich. Many German citizens acknowledged Göring highly because of his prestigious title as "''Reichsmarschall des Großdeutschen Reich''", meaning in English "Imperial Marshal of the Greater German Empire". |
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The chief function of the rank was to emphasize that Hermann Göring was Hitler's second in command, as he was the chosen successor of the [[Greater German Reich]] if anything was to happen to the [[Führer]]. The service branch in the [[Wehrmacht]] of the rank of Reichsmarschall was the [[Luftwaffe]], but the army and air force both had the similar ranks and insignia compared to the [[Kriegsmarine]] (navy). The rank also gave Göring the ability to design and form more stylish uniforms with different ranks and insignia that outclassed his previous junior rank of [[Generalfeldmarschall]]. This demonstrated his unique rank and authority over all other Wehrmacht generals and fit his personality to be a flamboyant person, a senior member of the Nazi Party and in the Reich. The uniforms he wore were beautiful and flashy, ranging from baby blue to his most worn grey [[Luftwaffe]] uniform. He wore many medals as he was one of the most decorated soldiers in Germany and received the highest awards able to be given by [[Hitler]]. He had special shoulder broads and Luftwaffe Reichsmarschall collar tabs, different from his previous uniform and insignia. Göring also had a [[baton (military)]] awarded to him after his promotion in the ceremony. It was encrusted with diamonds and made with gold and other highly valuable materials. It was estimated to have costed over $100,000 USD to make and is worth millions now. |
The chief function of the rank was to emphasize that Hermann Göring was Hitler's second in command, as he was the chosen successor of the [[Greater German Reich]] if anything was to happen to the ''[[Führer]]''. The service branch in the ''[[Wehrmacht]]'' of the rank of ''Reichsmarschall'' was the ''[[Luftwaffe]]'', but the army and air force both had the similar ranks and insignia compared to the ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' (navy). The rank also gave Göring the ability to design and form more stylish uniforms with different ranks and insignia that outclassed his previous junior rank of ''[[Generalfeldmarschall]]''. This demonstrated his unique rank and authority over all other ''Wehrmacht'' generals and fit his personality to be a flamboyant person, a senior member of the Nazi Party and in the Reich. The uniforms he wore were beautiful and flashy, ranging from baby blue to his most worn grey ''[[Luftwaffe]]'' uniform. He wore many medals as he was one of the most decorated soldiers in Germany and received the highest awards able to be given by [[Hitler]]. He had special shoulder broads and ''Luftwaffe Reichsmarschall'' collar tabs, different from his previous uniform and insignia. Göring also had a [[baton (military)|baton]] awarded to him after his promotion in the ceremony. It was encrusted with diamonds and made with gold and other highly valuable materials. It was estimated to have costed over $100,000 USD to make and is worth millions now. |
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Göring was also designated as Hitler's successor. Nevertheless, on 23 April 1945, when [[Göring Telegram|Göring suggested to Hitler that he assume leadership]] of the crumbling [[ |
Göring was also designated as Hitler's successor. Nevertheless, on 23 April 1945, when [[Göring Telegram|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 [[Last will and testament of Adolf Hitler|his last will and testament]], [[Grand Admiral]] [[Karl Dönitz]]. Dönitz' appointment was made on or before the day of [[Death of Adolf Hitler|Hitler's suicide]] (30 April 1945).{{sfn|O'Donnell|1979|p=217}} |
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==Standards== |
==Standards== |
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Revision as of 17:18, 21 February 2022
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| Reichsmarschall | |
|---|---|
 Standard from 1941 to 1945 (left side) | |
 Collar insignia | |
 Shoulder boards | |
| Country |  Nazi Germany |
| Service branch | Wehrmacht |
| Rank | Reichsmarschall |
| NATO rank code | OF-11 |
| Non-NATO rank | Six-star rank |
| Formation | 12th century (historical) 19 July 1940 |
| Abolished | 1945 |
| Next lower rank | Generalfeldmarschall Großadmiral |
| Equivalent ranks | Oberster Führer der Schutzstaffel |
Reichsmarschall (German: Reichsmarschall des Großdeutschen Reiches; lit. 'Reich Marshal of the Greater German Reich') was a specially created rank and the highest military office in the Wehrmacht during World War II. It was equivalent to a six star general and was senior to the five star rank of Generalfeldmarschall, which was previously the highest rank in the Wehrmacht.[1]
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. 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[a][2] 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.
The rank of Reichsmarschall was equivalent to General of the Armies in the United States Army, senior to that of a five star general, meaning it was a six star rank. Because of Görings influence in the Nazi Party's upbringings, Hitler saw him as more than a field marshal, which is why he created a new rank. Along with it being the highest rank in the Wehrmacht, Reichsmarschall was also a political rank that gave Göring much more influence throughout the Greater Germanic Reich, since he was the one and only person to hold the position. The duty of the Reichsmarschall expanded from not only the military, but political affairs and management of the Reich. Many German citizens acknowledged Göring highly because of his prestigious title as "Reichsmarschall des Großdeutschen Reich", meaning in English "Imperial Marshal of the Greater German Empire".
The chief function of the rank was to emphasize that Hermann Göring was Hitler's second in command, as he was the chosen successor of the Greater German Reich if anything was to happen to the Führer. The service branch in the Wehrmacht of the rank of Reichsmarschall was the Luftwaffe, but the army and air force both had the similar ranks and insignia compared to the Kriegsmarine (navy). The rank also gave Göring the ability to design and form more stylish uniforms with different ranks and insignia that outclassed his previous junior rank of Generalfeldmarschall. This demonstrated his unique rank and authority over all other Wehrmacht generals and fit his personality to be a flamboyant person, a senior member of the Nazi Party and in the Reich. The uniforms he wore were beautiful and flashy, ranging from baby blue to his most worn grey Luftwaffe uniform. He wore many medals as he was one of the most decorated soldiers in Germany and received the highest awards able to be given by Hitler. He had special shoulder broads and Luftwaffe Reichsmarschall collar tabs, different from his previous uniform and insignia. Göring also had a baton awarded to him after his promotion in the ceremony. It was encrusted with diamonds and made with gold and other highly valuable materials. It was estimated to have costed over $100,000 USD to make and is worth millions now.
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' appointment was made on or before the day of Hitler's suicide (30 April 1945).[3]
Standards
-
Standard from 1940 to 1941 (left side) -
Standard from 1940 to 1941 (right side) -
Standard from 1941 to 1945 (left side) -
Standard from 1941 to 1945 (right side)
Uniform
-
The original uniform shown in the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr in Berlin. -
The original baton shown in the West Point Museum.
Notes
- ^ Göring also held many other prestigious titles, such as Reichsjägermeister (Reich Master of the Hunt) and Commissioner Plenipotentiary of the Four-Year Plan.
References
- Citations
- ^ Haskew 2011, p. 46.
- ^ Haskew 2011, pp. 25, 46, 119.
- ^ 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 |
