Reichsmarschall

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

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

Reichsmarschall, Marshal of the Reich (literal translation: Empire or Realm), was the highest rank in the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany during World War II.^[1]

History

The rank of Reichserzmarschall was originally created before the 12th century, during the time of the Holy Roman Empire. During the era of the German Empire and World War I, no one in the German Army held the rank.

During World War II Luftwaffe Commander-in-Chief Hermann Göring was the only man elevated to Reichsmarschall.^[2]^[3] He was promoted by Adolf Hitler during the 19 July 1940 Field Marshal Ceremony primarily to denote him as senior to the other commanders of the Wehrmacht's general staff made Generalfeldmarschall that day and establish him as Hitler's successor to leadership of the Reich.

Nevertheless, following a late April 1945 telegram from Göring asking Hitler for permission to assume leadership, Hitler relieved Göring of his duties and named a new successor, Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz. The appointment was made on or before the day of Hitler's suicide (30 April 1945), but notification by Martin Bormann and Joseph Goebbels was delayed until 1 May 1945.

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.
↑ Göring also held many other prestigious titles, such as Reich Master Hunter and Commissioner Plenipotentiary of the Four-Year Plan
↑ 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 Polemarch 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

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