Reichsmarschall

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[lower-alpha 1][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.

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 Third Reich, 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]

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

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  The original uniform shown in the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr in Berlin.
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  The original baton shown in the West Point Museum.

Citations

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