Reichsmarschall

The original baton of the Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring shown in the West Point Museum

The original uniform of the Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring shown in the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr in Berlin

Reichsmarschall (literal translation: Marshal of the Realm) was the highest rank in the armed forces of Nazi Germany during World War II.^[1]

The rank of Reichserzmarschall was originally created before the 12th century, during the time of the Holy Roman Empire. Historically, holding the rank of Reichsmarschall was neither unique nor as prestigious as it was during World War II. During the time of the German Empire and World War I, no one in the German Army held this rank.

During World War II, Hermann Göring was the only man to hold the rank of Reichsmarschall, having been promoted on 19 July 1940, during the 1940 Field Marshal Ceremony by Adolf Hitler. Göring, who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe, held many other prestigious titles, such as Reich Master Hunter and Commissioner Plenipotentiary of the Four-Year Plan.^[2]

Hitler appointed Göring to the rank of Reichsmarschall primarily to denote him as senior to the other commanders of the Wehrmacht's general staff promoted to Generalfeldmarschall at the same ceremony. Hitler had chosen Göring as his successor to leadership of the Reich; and one reason for Göring's promotion was so that in the event of Hitler's death, a clear line of succession from the military would have already been established. Nevertheless in April 1945, following a telegram by Göring asking Hitler for permission to assume leadership of the Reich, Hitler relieved Göring of his duties and named a new successor. This was Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz, who was specifically appointed as successor by Hitler on or before April 30, 1945. Dönitz was however only notified of his appointment as successor on May 1, 1945 by Martin Bormann and Joseph Goebbels.

Official standards

Standard of the Reichsmarschall from 1940 to 1941 (left side)
Standard of the Reichsmarschall from 1940 to 1941 (right side)
Standard of the Reichsmarschall from 1941 to 1945 (left side)
Standard of the Reichsmarschall from 1941 to 1945 (right side)

Rank insignia

Shoulder boards
Collar insignia

junior rank
Generalfeldmarschall

Nazi Germany
(Ranks Wehrmacht)
Reichsmarschall

senior rank
None

References

↑ Haskew 2011, p. 46.
↑ Haskew 2011, pp. 25, 46, 119.

Bibliography

Haskew, Michael (2011). The Wehrmacht. Amber Books. ISBN 978-1-907446-95-5.

Highest military ranks

General officer Flag officer Air officer

Generalissimo Generalissimus of the Soviet Union Supreme Allied Commander Commander-in-chief Admiral of the navy General of the armies Generalfeldmarschall Mareşal Marshal of the air force Marshal of the Russian Federation Marshal of the Soviet Union Mushir Caudillo Magister militum Spahbed Ispahsalar Beylerbey Constable of France Domestic of the Schools Grand Domestic Shogun Dux bellorum Grand marshal Hetman Jenderal besar Reichsmarschall Sardar Serasker Strategos autokrator First marshal of the empire Dai-gensui Taewonsu Voivoda Wonsu Marshal of Yugoslavia

Star officer grades

General officer Flag officer Air officer

By star ranks	Six-star rank (proposed) Five-star rank Four-star rank Three-star rank Two-star rank One-star rank

By titles	Generalissimo Generalissimus of the Soviet Union Supreme Allied Commander Commander-in-chief Admiral of the navy General of the armies Generalfeldmarschall Field marshal of India Mareşal Marshal of the air force Marshal of the Russian Federation Marshal of the Soviet Union Mushir Caudillo Magister militum Spahbed Ispahsalar Beylerbey Constable of France Grand Domestic Shogun Dux bellorum Grand marshal Hetman Jenderal besar Reichsmarschall Sardar Serasker Strategos autokrator First marshal of the empire Dai-gensui Taewonsu Voivoda Wonsu Yuan Shuai Da Yuan Shuai Marshal of Yugoslavia