Grand Admiral - Definition and Overview

Alternate meaning: Grand Admiral (Star Wars).

German Grand Admiral Sleeve Insignia

Grand Admiral Shoulder Insignia

In the German Navy the rank of Grand Admiral (Großadmiral) was considered the highest Naval rank. The position was the equivalent of an Admiral of the Navy or a United States Fleet Admiral.

World War I

Before and during the World War I, the following men were made Grand Admirals of the German Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy):

World War II

Before and during the World War II, the following men were made Grand Admirals of the German Kriegsmarine:

• Erich Raeder was made a Grand Admiral on 1 April 1939
• Karl Dönitz, Commander of the U-Boat Fleet and later successor to Adolf Hitler was made a Grand Admiral on January 30 , 1943 after succeeding Raeder as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kriegsmarine.

The Kriegsmarine also used the rank of General Admiral (Generaladmiral) which was considered senior to a full Admiral, but junior to a Grand Admiral.