History

The design of the Kriegsmarine flags and pennants was based upon those utilized in the Imperial Navy (Kaiserliche Marine).

The main types of Kriegsmarine flags were command and rank flags and pennants, and service pennants. These flags and pennants were only permitted for use by high-ranking Kriegsmarine personnel, such as Admirals and Officers, or Officials holding an equivalent rank. They were displayed on the front or rear of Kriegsmarine vehicles, depending on the type of flag or pennant, and tended to be held immobile in a frame and covered in transparent plastic for protection.

The Admiral vehicle flags were utilized as both command and rank identifiers. The Kriegsmarine Admiral flags were first introduced in 1934, and they were flown on the left side of the Admiral’s car. When the associated Admiral was not in the vehicle the flag was removed.

The Inspector Admiral of the Navy Flag was introduced in 1943, and it features an iron cross with crossed Admiral’s batons and a gold-coloured national eagle superimposed on top of the iron cross in a white square surrounded by a dark blue border.