In addition to the insignia presented here, many others were used in the army, but this section lists the most important of them.

Commemorative signs

They were supposed to remind the military units of the traditions of the old Prussian army, which ended its existence in 1918. The newly formed military units of the Reichswehr (from April 1922) were awarded with such signs. and later, parts of the Wehrmacht. These signs were on caps, they were worn below the insignia (eagle with a swastika). The presence of other signs is proved by photographs of that time. They were worn according to the charter on field caps.

In memory of the former famous Prussian regiments of Life Hussars No. 1 and 2. In the Reichswehr, this honorary badge was awarded to the 1st and 2nd squadrons of the 5th (Prussian) Cavalry Regiment. According to the order of the og on February 25, 1938, the traditions and powers of this sign were transferred to the headquarters with a corps of trumpeters and the 1st division of the 5th cavalry regiment. In accordance with the requirements of modern warfare, with the outbreak of hostilities, this cavalry regiment was first disbanded, and then a reconnaissance unit of an infantry division was formed on its base. Not to be confused with the cavalry regiments of the 1st Cavalry Division, which has survived to this day. So the 12th and 32nd reconnaissance battalions, as well as parts of the 175th reconnaissance battalion, were formed from the 5th cavalry regiment. The servicemen of this unit continued to wear the "Death's Head" badge even further.

According to the order of June 3, 1944, the early cavalry regiment "North" formed a year ago was renamed into Cavalry Regiment No. 5. The regiment's employees were tacitly allowed to wear the traditional "Death's Head" badge again, but without official approval. After a short time, they again received official permission to wear their old insignia.

Braunschweig Badge "Death's Head"

This sign of the "Death's Head" dates back to 1809 from the "Black Detachment" of Duke Friedrich Wilhelm of Brauischweig-Ols. The skull was longer than in the Prussian specimen and rested with its upper jaw on crossed bones. The badge was supposed to remind of the glorious military deeds of the former Braunschweig military units: infantry regiment No. 92 and hussar regiment No. 17, which during the 1st World War were part of the 10th Army Corps. This badge of honor was awarded in the Reichswehr to the 1st and 4th companies of the 1st Braunschweig battalion of the 13th Infantry Regiment and the 4th Squadron of the 13th Prussian Cavalry Regiment.

By order of February 25, 1938, this badge was awarded to: headquarters, 1st and 2nd battalion and 13th and 14th companies of the 17th infantry regiment. By the same order, the 2nd division of the 13th cavalry regiment received the right to wear this badge.

The corresponding order of February 10, 1939 was supposed to replace the Braunschweig sign "Death's head" with a Prussian model, but this order, like other similar ones, was hardly carried out. Most of the servicemen of these units continued to wear the Brunswick pattern.

On the eve of September 1, 1939, the 13th cavalry regiment was disbanded and on its basis the 22nd and 30th were created. 152nd and 158th reconnaissance battalions, whose servicemen continued to wear their former memorial signs.

On May 25, 1944, the Cavalry Regiment "South" formed in the same year was renamed into the 41st Cavalry Regiment, which preserved the tradition of the right to wear the Braunschweig badge "Death's Head". A little later, this right extended to all servicemen of the 4th Cavalry Brigade, which included this regiment. Only the 5th Cavalry Regiment of the same brigade continued to wear the Prussian model of the "Dead Head".

Dragoon Eagle

In memory of the glorious victory of the 2nd Brandenburg Dragoon Regiment in the Battle of Schwedt on the Oder in 1764, the "Swedish Dragoon" badge was established, later the name was changed to "Swedish Eagle".

In the Reichswehr, the 4th Squadron of the 6th (Prussian) Cavalry Regiment was first awarded the "Swedish Dragoon" badge. By 1930, the 2nd squadron also received this memorial sign. Meanwhile, during the Weimar Republic, the eagle lost its crown and ribbon with the motto: "With God for the Kaiser and the Fatherland." With the coming to power of Hitler in 1933, all this was returned. In the Wehrmacht, this badge was awarded to the headquarters. 2nd and 4th squadrons of the 6th cavalry regiment. On October 1, 1937, the 3rd battalion of motorcycle riflemen received the "Swedish Eagle" badge. When the 6th Cavalry Regiment was disbanded in August 1939, the “Swedish Eagle” badge was worn by the 33rd, 34th and 36th reconnaissance battalions created on its base, as well as units of the 179th reconnaissance battalion.

At the end of 1944, this badge was awarded to the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, previously only the Center Cavalry Regiment was awarded it.

Buckles, The coat of arms of the 3rd Reich was also located on the belt buckle and the field belt: a ceremonial army belt for generals with a gilded buckle.	Parade army belt for officers with an aluminum buckle.
Series of stamped belt buckle made of steel sheet, produced after 1941	Aluminum Alloy Belt Buckle with Grainy Outside

Badge of jaegers and mountain rifle units

For military personnel of mountain rifle units and divisions of rangers, as well as the 1st division of ski rangers, special signs were introduced. In this case, stamped metal signs were worn on headdresses, and embroidered sleeve stripes on a tunic, uniform, etc.

Mountain rifle units (Mountain huntsmen)

Since May 1939, an oval cloth badge was worn on the right shoulder of all types of uniforms. It was an edelweiss flower embroidered on fabric with white petals and yellow stamens, with a pale green stem and leaves. The flower was framed by an intertwined climbing rope, embroidered with matte gray thread, with a silver-white crutch with a ring. The base was an oval made of dark blue-green cloth. There were two versions of this badge: the highest quality - silk, machine embroidery, and the lower quality, made of felt. There is mention of badges embroidered entirely with pale green thread and of copper-brown badges, also silk, machine embroidery, intended for the Afrika Korps.

On the cap, between an eagle with a swastika and a cockade, a stalkless edelweiss flower, made of white metal, lurched. On the left side of the mountain cap, and later on a military cap, a sign was attached depicting an edelweiss with a stem and two leaves, made of matte white metal. There were also samples. made by hand embroidery.

Jaeger units

By order of October 2, 1942, a special jaeger sign was introduced. Like the sleeve insignia of mountain rangers, the jaeger badge with oak leaves was introduced to be worn on the upper part of the right sleeve of a zero jacket, uniform jacket or overcoat by all personnel of jaeger divisions and jaeger battalions. It featured three green oak leaves and one green acorn on a small brown branch, all embroidered on an oval piece of dark green cloth, framed by a pale green cord. This emblem is also presented in two versions: a higher quality, machine embroidered with silk thread, and a lower quality, made of felt. Made of white metal, it was attached to the left side of the cap. This badge was worn like the edelweiss of mountain rifle units.

Servicemen of the 1st Jaeger Regiment of the Brandenburg Division wore the badge of Jaeger units. and the soldiers of the 2nd Jaeger Regiment of the same division received the badge of mountain rifle units.

Ski Jaeger Troops

A special sign was introduced for the servicemen of the 1st division of ski rangers, which was formed in September 1943, first under the name of the 1st brigade of ski rangers, in August 1944. It had the same pattern and colors as the jaeger sign, but in the center there are two crossed copper-brown skis intertwined with green oak leaves. It was also worn on the right sleeve of the uniform by all personnel of the rifle divisions who served in the ski units.

Non-commissioned officer and candidate officer of the 17th Grenadier Regiment. On his right sleeve, a special sign of mountain rangers is sewn not according to the charter.	Mountain huntsman in full dress. On his cap is an edelweiss flower without a stem.

Insignia of the combat arms

Ordinary and non-commissioned officers with special education wore an embroidered sign on the right forearm of a tunic, uniform and overcoat. He was usually depicted as a symbol and a letter, embroidered from zologist-yellow wool on a round base of dark blue-green fabric, or gray... See table 2.

Soldiers who completed their combat training, but did not receive the corresponding direction to the unit, wore horizontal braids and a badge of distinction since 1935. They were filmed after receiving the appointment.

The original standard-bearer's sleeve shield was established by the High Command of the German Army on June 15, 1898, but after 1919 this emblem was not used. 4 August 1936 was introduced a new version the original flag-bearer's sleeve and the standard-bearer. At first, it was intended to be worn on the sleeve, in the upper part of it, only on a service, field and uniform jacket, but not on an overcoat.

The last limitation, however, was later removed, and the overcoat was included in the list of uniforms on which this shield could be sewn. The sleeve shield served as a sign that distinguished the one who wore it as a linden, who held a special position in his military unit, namely, as a standard bearer. The predominant color of the armband was the color of the military branch of the standard-bearer wearing it. It was sewn onto a dark blue-green fabric base.

Along with the signs of specialists, intended to be worn on the right sleeve, there was also a series of signs that were supposed to be worn on the left sleeve. These were the signs of signalmen, gunners of artillery guns and multi-barreled launchers of rocket artillery, as well as signs of steering boats. On the left sleeve of the tunic, uniform and greatcoat, the helmsmen of the landing craft and the personnel of the communications service wore special signs. Initially, they represented embroidery in aluminum or babbitt stamping on a dark green oval fabric. In December 1936, the insignia of artillery gunners began to be made of artificial silk of a golden yellow matte color. It was an upright yellow projectile with a flame at the top, in a wreath of yellow oak leaves on an oval of dark green cloth. The badge was worn on the lower part of the sleeve. In February 1937, a special sign was introduced for smoke screen gunners. It was a white mine standing upright in a wreath of white oak leaves on an oval of dark green cloth. The badge was worn on the lower part of the right sleeve.

Outlet tunic of the chief-sergeant of the 7th battalion of the communications service with the sign of the standard-bearer and the bearer of the standard on the right sleeve	Colonel Joachim von Stolzmann of the 17th Infantry Regiment. He wore on his cap the Braunschweig badge of the "Death's Head", the traditional insignia of his military unit.
It is noticeable that the soldier in the foreground of the picture has a double stripe on the sleeve of his field jacket corresponding to the rank of Haupt Feldwebel.	Since 1939, non-commissioned officers who have undergone special training and occupy a full-time position wore an aluminum-colored cord ring as so this training. There is a saddler on the right in the picture. It is noticeable that the yellow Gothic "S" on the dark green cloth circle is in the aluminum-colored cord ring. The badge was worn on the lower part of the right sleeve.
Detailed view of the "piston ring"

Fortification construction technician, sergeant major, non-commissioned officer of gas protection (since 1944), pyrotechnician, artillery technician, gunner.
Medical officer, with a silver-colored flagellum edging (since 1939 for soldiers since 1944), medical personnel without edging (since 1939), radio operator, smoke screen gunner.

Haupt Feldwebel (Company Chief) or Haupt Wachmister of the Cavalry, etc. was the non-commissioned officer who was responsible for the internal order of the company or headquarters. His rank reflected his position in the service and official function. Its distinguishing mark is a double stripe on both tunic sleeves at the bottom (on the cuffs of the sleeves). This band was informally called the "piston ring". Outlet tunic of the Haupt sergeant major of the 30th anti-tank battalion.	The ceremonial tunic of the sergeant from the detachment of trumpeters of the 8th cavalry rifle regiment.	Cavalry trumpeter's "Swallow's Nest" with 64-piece fringe.

Swallow's Nest (Musicians' Shoulder Badge)

Brass band musicians, drummers and buglers wore a special sign (the so-called "swallow's nest") on their uniforms and uniforms, but not on their overcoats. These were special semicircular overlays with braid sewn on them, located symmetrically on the shoulders of a uniform tunic. On the uniform this crescent-shaped sign was sewn to the seam of the sleeve, on the uniform it was fastened with hooks. Each such nest was attached to the shoulder of the tunic by five long metal hooks, which were equidistant from each other on the inner curved surface of the dovetail nest.

They were inserted into five corresponding loops, sewn at regular intervals into the shoulder seam of the tunic. It consisted of a fabric base in the color of the arms of the armed forces with edging or galloon on the edge. Since September 1935, this sign began to consist of 7 vertical and horizontal braids, while the new braids became thinner than the previous ones. The following variants of swallow's nests were distinguished: drummers - gray border musicians and trumpeters - light scarlet braid of miniature color battalion buglers - braid of light aluminum color with a fringe 7 cm long.

Ceremonial and casual aiguillette cords

In the army, there were three types of various ceremonial cords (also called aiguillettes): aiguillettes for officers, insignia of the Adyotaites and cords of shooters.

The adjutant's aiguillette was woven from cords of matt aluminum color.	Generals and officials of the same rank wore gold-colored aiguillettes, otherwise their aiguillette did not differ from the officer's
Aiguillettes introduced for army officers in 1935 replaced the Reichswehr. The new aiguillettes were distinguished by the presence of a second cord and a second curly tip. For officers, the aiguillette was made of light-aluminum thread, for generals - from yellow-gold artificial silk threads. The metal curved lugs were of the appropriate color. Adjutant aiguillettes looked the same and were worn by officers only during the period of acting as adjutant.	Uniform tunic of Lieutenant General Max Denerlein with a large order stock

Officer's aiguillettes

They were introduced in the Reichswehr on July 22, 1922 and were initially worn only on ceremonial uniforms. The tourniquet and both loops were made of light silver or aluminum thread. Generals wore gold thread aiguillettes. It was attached to the officer's shoulder strap on one side and on the other on the 2nd and 3rd buttons of the uniform.

By order of June 29, 1935, a second cord was added and both bundles were terminated with a metal figured tip. Introduced on June 29, 1935, the officer's aiguillette is nothing more than an adornment of ceremonial and output uniforms. There were aiguillettes silver and gold, on the device shoulder straps, weaving, and those. what the conductors wore when conducting. featured red stitching in silver cords. A long string of aiguillettes and a double-folded arm cord passed the sospips through the right side to the chest. The loop of the wattle fence was thrown over the third button of the uniform from the top, and a bent cord wrapped around a knot a pair of breast cords with curly tips hanging freely along the side. A short fence hung below the breast cords, and was fastened to the second button. Under the shoulder strap there was a button or a button for fastening a leather lanyard sewn to the junction of cords and wattle fences.

On July 9, 1937, officers began to wear an aiguillette for a ceremonial uniform if Hitler himself, the Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht, was present at the parade. It was supposed to be worn at parades dedicated to the birthday of the Fuhrer. It was worn on ceremonial uniforms and but for a specific occasion, for example, at ceremonial events, ceremonial marches, etc. However, aiguillettes were never worn on an overcoat.

Aiguillette adjutants

We are talking about insignia that are directly related to the official duties of an adjutant, who belonged to the command (staff) composition of the troops. For example, the adjutant of the headquarters of a regiment, battalion or company. Since 1935, a wide bundle of two thin cords has been made of matt aluminum thread.

Aiguillette assigned to the generals' adjutants. staff officers, worn on duty. It consisted only of a breast wattle, surrounded in the middle by a loop of an arm cord, the ends of which came out from under the right shoulder strap on the chest with two tips hanging along the line of the armhole of the sleeve. The end of the aiguillette was fastened to the second from the top button of the uniform (or everyday tunic, field jacket, overcoat). He leaned to the right shoulder strap on one side and to the top button of his tunic on the other side. However, the aiguillette was worn only while the officer served as an adyotant.

Aiguillettes for excellent shooting

In the Reichswehr, there were 10 initial stages of marksmen awards for excellent shooting. By order of January 27, 1928, there were 24 such steps. These awards were awarded to soldiers and non-commissioned officers for their successes in firing a carbine, rifle, light and heavy machine guns. as well as successes in the development of mortar and artillery weapons (servicemen of mortar and artillery companies. These were matte braids, which were worn on the sleeve in the area of ​​the left forearm.

By order of June 29, 1936, instead of these signs, an aiguillette was introduced for excellent shooting. When creating its model, the traditions of the old army were used. The cord was made of matt aluminum threads, the matte mark with a pattern was stamped from an aluminum alloy. There were 12 steps. for each of the 4 steps a certain sign corresponded.

Another difference was the presence of acorns at the lower end of the cord. They were woven from threads of gold or aluminum color, the number of acorns corresponded to a row from 10 to 12 steps.

Badges for excellent shooting were worn on ceremonial, uniform, day off and sentry uniforms, but not on an overcoat. The end of the cord with the sign was attached under the right shoulder strap with a button, the other end of the cord was fastened to the second button of the tunic or uniform.

Along with the factory there were aiguillettes handmade, which differed in performance deviations from the standard. Most of them were made of aluminum-colored threads. Over time, these deviations were approved, for example, aiguillettes for excellent artillery shooting from December 16, 1936 received metal shells instead of acorns.

On October 17, 1938, a special sign for tankers was introduced. From the 1st to the 4th stage, the Pz.Kpfw.I tank under the eagle of the Wehrmacht was displayed on it. At the same time, the sign was framed by an oval made of stylized caterpillar tracks. For steps 5 to 8, the crown was made of oak leaves. The sign of the steps from 9 to 12 was the same. but it was made of gold-colored metal. For excellent shooting, shells made of aluminum or gold metal were suspended from the lower end of the aiguillette of tankers.

Finally, in January 1939, a new badge appeared for the first three stages for excellent shooting. It was the same as for steps 5-8, but had a narrower wreath.

Signs for distinguishing individual steps were in the form of shells for artillerymen, for other branches of the army - in the form of acorns. For steps 9-12, they were gold in color.	Aiguillette "For excellent shooting" 1st stage. In the upper part, the so-stamped aluminum alloy was bent. The picture shows a sample of 1939.	1. Three different badges for the tank troops "For excellent shooting". From right to left: steps 1-4.5-8 and 9-12. 2. Three different marks for shooters "For excellent shooting" (sample January 1939), which were attached to the aiguillette. From right to left: steps 1 -4.5-8 and 9-12.

She was worn on a ceremonial uniform and a uniform jacket, but only by order. This insignia was sewn onto the fabric of the uniform in the form of a block made of zinc sheet 4 cm wide. It was strengthened so that the last covered the patch.

The sequence of the location of orders and insignia on the order block
The attached list shows the order in which the various orders and insignia were worn on the medal stock. The attached instruction from 1943 differs from that issued in 1935 and 1937, first of all, by the appearance of 6 new awards (in the list these are numbers 2 and 38). This list applies primarily to the awards of all Wehrmacht soldiers, there may be some changes made at a later time. 1. Iron Cross of the 1914 and 1939 model. 2. Cross of Military Merit with swords (for military distinction) and without swords. 3. Badge of distinction "For caring for the German people" with swords on the ribbon. 4. Medal "For caring for the German people" with swords on a ribbon. 5. Medal "FOR THE WINTER CAMPAIGN IN THE EAST 1941-42" 6. Medal of Military Merit. 7. Royal order of the house of HOGENZOLLERN (Prussia) 8. Prussian Order of the Red Eagle 3rd or 4th class with swords. 9. Order of the Crown of Prussia, 3rd or 4th class. 10. Austrian Military Order of Maria Theresa. 11. Austrian Imperial Order of Leopold with military distinction. 12. Bavarian Military Order of Maskimilian Joseph. 13. Bavarian Military Order of the Red Cross. 14. Saxon Military Order of St. Henry. 15. Württemberg Order of Military Merit. 16. Baden Military Order of Merit of Karl Friedrich. 17. Prussian Gold Cross of Military Merit. 18. Prussian military medal 1st and 2nd class. 19. Austrian Gold Medal "For Bravery" 20. Bavarian gold and silver medals "For Bravery". 21. Saxon Gold Medal of the Order of St. Henry. 22. Württemberg Military Merit Gold Medal. 23. Karl Friedrich Military Merit Medal of Baden. 24. Other orders and insignia for service in the 1st World War in the row of their kiass and within the same class one day after the award. 25. Cross of Honor of the 1st World War. 26. Austrian commemorative medal dedicated to the 1st World War. 27a. Commemorative Coin of the War of 1864 276. Commemorative Cross 1866 27c. Commemorative Coin of the War of 1870-71	28. Austrian military medal. 29c. Commemorative Coin of South West Africa (Colonial Award) 296. Colonial commemorative coin. 29s. Commemorative Coin of China (Colonial Award). 30.Silesian Merit Badge (Silesian Eagle) 31. Medal "For Salvation" on the ribbon. 32a. Service badge of the Wehrmacht. 326. Austrian Military Service Badge. ЗЗ Other state awards and awards of the NSDAP according to the degree of their importance and within the same level one day after the award. 34. Olympic Merit Award. 35. Commemorative medal March 13, 1938 36. Commemorative medal October 1, 1938 37. Medal in memory of the return of Memel. 38. Medal of Honor of the West Wall. 39. German Olympic commemorative medal. 40. Badge of honor of the German Red Cross. 41. Order and badge of honor of the former German sovereign states in the row of their class and within the same class one day after the award. 42. Foreign orders and medals were arranged in a row as they were awarded.

On this order stock, which was worn on all other types of uniforms. there were only order ribbons. They were located next to each other on a 12-18 mm wide block. It was made of aluminum sheet or plastic, sometimes even leather. Along with traditional method the Bavarian method was also used for attaching order ribbons, when the ribbons were stacked in two and placed one behind the other, due to which the entire block made the appearance of a wider one.

A lieutenant colonel in a ceremonial tunic - a large medal stock on the left on the chest	Knight's Cross, Major General Georg-Wilhelm Postel wore a small order shoe with a leather lining
Small medal block of the participant of the 1st World War.	This splendidly decorated major general wore two small order stocks stacked on top of each other
	Small medal stock with the Bavarian method of laying medal ribbons

OFFICER RANKS IN Fascist Germany

OFFICER'S RANKS IN FASCIST GERMANY, Reichsfuehrer SS corresponded to the rank of Field Marshal of the Wehrmacht;
Oberstgruppenführer - Colonel General;
Obergruppenführer - General;
Gruppenfuehrer - Lieutenant General;
Brigadenführer - Major General;
Standartenführer - Colonel;
Obersturmbannführer - Lieutenant Colonel;
Sturmbannführer - Major;
Hauptsturmführer - captain;
Obersturmführer - Oberleutenant;
Untersturmführer - Lieutenant.

encyclopedic Dictionary. 2009 .

See what "OFFICER RANKS IN Fascist Germany" is in other dictionaries:

The officer ranks of the troops of the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition and the Axis countries during the Second World War. Unchecked: China (Anti-Hitler Coalition) Finland (Axis Countries) Legend: Infantry Naval Forces Waffen Air Force ... ... Wikipedia

BRIGADENFUHRER SS, see Officer ranks in Nazi Germany (see OFFICER RANKS IN Fascist Germany) ... encyclopedic Dictionary

GAUPSTURMFUHRER SS, see Officer ranks in Nazi Germany (see OFFICER RATES IN Fascist Germany) ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Gruppenführer SS, see Officer ranks in Nazi Germany (see OFFICER RANKS IN Fascist Germany) ... encyclopedic Dictionary

SS Obergruppenführer, see Officer ranks in Nazi Germany (see OFFICER RANKS IN Fascist Germany) ... encyclopedic Dictionary

SS OBERSTGRUPPENFUHRER, see Officer ranks in Nazi Germany (see OFFICER Ranks in Nazi Germany) ... encyclopedic Dictionary

SS OBERSHTURMBANNFUHRER, see Officer ranks in Nazi Germany (see OFFICER RATES IN Fascist Germany) ... encyclopedic Dictionary

30.09.2007 22:54

In Germany from autumn 1936 to May 1945. As part of the Wehrmacht, there was a completely unique military organization - the SS Troops (Waffen SS), which were part of the Wehrmacht only operatively. The fact is that the SS troops were not the military apparatus of the German state, but were the armed organization of the Nazi party. But since the German state since 1933 has turned into an instrument for achieving the political goals of the Nazi party, then the German armed forces carried out the tasks of the Nazis. That is why the SS troops were quickly part of the Wehrmacht.

To understand the SS rank system, it is necessary to understand the essence of this organization. Many believe that the SS Troops are the entire SS organization. However, the SS Forces were only part of it (albeit the most visible). Therefore, the table of titles will be preceded by a brief historical background. I recommend that in order to understand the SS, first familiarize yourself with historical background by SA.

In April 1925, Hitler, worried about the growing influence of the leaders of the SA and the aggravation of contradictions with them, instructed one of the commanders of the SA, Julius Schreck, to create a Schutzstaffel (literal translation of "protection squad") in abbreviated form - SS. For this purpose, it was supposed to allocate in each SA Hundert (SA hundred) one SS Gruppe (SS branch) in the amount of 10-20 people. The newly created SS units within the SA were assigned a small and insignificant role - the physical protection of the top leaders of the party (a kind of bodyguard service). On September 21, 1925, Shrek issued a circular on the creation of SS units. At this time, there was no need to talk about any structure of the SS. However, the system of SS ranks was immediately born, however, these were not yet titles, but the names of positions. At this time, the SS was one of the many structural divisions of the SA.

SS ranks from IX-1925 to XI-1926

* Read more about rank encoding .

In November 1926, Hitler begins the covert separation of SS units from the SA. For this, the position of SS Obergruppenfuehrer (SS Obergruppenfuehrer) is introduced, i.e. senior leader of the SS groups. Thus, the SS received double control (through the CA and directly along its own line). Josef Berthtold becomes the first Obergruppenfuehrer. In the spring of 1927, Erhard Heiden replaced him.

SS ranks from XI-1926 to I-1929.

In January 1929, Heinrich Himmler was appointed head of the SS. SS begins to grow rapidly. If in January 1929 there were only 280 SS men, then by December 1930 there were already 2,727 of them.

At the same time, an independent structure of SS units emerged.

Hierarchy of SS units from I-1929 to 1932

Note:Speaking about the equivalence of SS units (SS organizations (!), And not SS Troops) to army units, the author means the similarity in number, but not in the tasks being solved, tactical purpose and combat capabilities

The rank system changes accordingly. However, these are not titles, but positions.

SS rank system from I-1929 to 1932.

The last title was awarded to himself by A. Hitler. It meant something like the following "SS Supreme Leader".

The influence of the SA rank system is clearly visible in this table. In the SS at this moment there are no formations like Gruppe or Obergruppe, but there are titles. They are worn by top SS leaders.

In mid-1930, Hitler prohibited the SA from interfering with the SS by an order that said "... no SA commander has the right to issue orders to the SS." Although the SS was still within the SA, it was actually independent.

In 1932, the largest division of the Oberabschnitte (Oberabschnitt) and SS structure acquires its completeness. Please note that this is not about the SS troops (they are not yet in sight), but about a public organization that is part of the Nazi party, and all SS men are engaged in this activity on a voluntary basis in parallel with their main work activities (workers, shopkeepers , artisans, unemployed, peasants, small employees, etc.)

Hierarchy of SS units since 1932

The rank table takes on the following form (although it is still more job titles than titles):

SS rank system from 1932 to V-1933

The last rank was held only by A. Hitler. It meant something like the following "SS Supreme Leader".

On January 30, 1933, German President Field Marshal Hindenburg appoints A. Hitler as Reich Chancellor, i.e. power in the country passes into the hands of the Nazis.

In March 1933, Hitler ordered the formation of the first armed SS formation, the Leibstandarte-SS "Adolf Hitler" (LSSAH). It was Hitler's bodyguard company (120 people). From now onSS is split into two components:

1.Allgemeine-SS - general SS.
2.Leibstandarte-SS - An armed formation of the SS.

The difference was that membership in the CC was voluntary, and the SS men were engaged in SS affairs in parallel with their main activities (workers, peasants, shopkeepers, etc.). And those in the Leibstandarte-SS, being also members of the CC, were already in the service (not in the state, but in the service of the Nazi party), received uniforms and salaries at the expense of NSDAP. Members of the CC, being people personally loyal to Hitler (Himmler took care of the selection of such people in the CC), after the Nazis came to power, began to be appointed to key positions in the state apparatus, starting with the heads of the district post, police, telegraph, railway stations, etc. up to the highest government posts. Thus, Allgemeine-SS began to gradually turn into a source of state management personnel, simultaneously including a number of state institutions. Thus, the original role of the CC as a purely security unit was emasculated, and the CC quickly turned into the political and administrative basis of the Nazi regime, becoming a supranational organization, an organization that supervises the activities of state institutions in the interests of the Nazis. With the beginning of the establishment of concentration camps by Himmler, concentration camp guards were spun off from the rapidly growing Leibstandarte-SS. The SS organization now consists of three components:

1.Allgemeine-SS - general SS.
2.Leibstandarte-SS - CC armed formation.

The old rank scale began to be lacking, and on May 19, 1933, a new rank scale was introduced:

Rank system SS from 19.V.1933 to 15.X.1934.

On the night of June 30, 1934, the SS, on the orders of Hitler, destroy the top of the SA. After that night, the role of the SA in the political life of the country was reduced to zero, and the role of the SS increased many times over. On July 20, 1934, Hitler finally withdraws the SS from the SA structure and gives it the status of an independent organization within the NSDAP. The role of the SS in the life of the country continued to grow, there were many who wanted to join this now powerful organization, and on October 15, 1934, Himmler again changed the SS rank scale. The new titles SS-Bewerber and SS-Anwarter are being introduced, the first for the SS applicant and the second for the candidate. The names of some titles are changed. The title is introduced specifically for Himmler SS Reichsfuehrer (SS Reichsfuehrer).

This scale lasted until 1942. There was no official division into privates, non-commissioned officers, officers, generals in the Allgemeine-SS. This, as it were, emphasized the SS partnership and equality. The same rank scale was used until 1936 in the Leibstandart "Adolf Hitler" and in the concentration camp guards.

General SS ranks from October 15, 1934 to 1942.

From October 1936, on the basis of the Leibstandarte-SS, the creation of the SS troops (Waffen SS) begins. Since that time, the SS has finally acquired its three main components:
1.Allgemeine-SS - General CC.
2. Waffen SS - CC troops.
3.SS-Totenkopfrerbaende - concentration camp guard units.

Moreover, Allgemeine-SS actually merges with the state apparatus, some state institutions become Allgemeine-SS departments and departments, and the SS troops and concentration camp guards, in the minds of many modern readers, merge into a single whole. Hence the fallacy of the idea that the SS is the SS Troops, especially since since 1936 they and the guards of the concentration camps receive their own system of ranks, which differs from the general SS. The idea that the SS troops were engaged in the protection of concentration camps is also mistaken. The camps were guarded by specially created units called SS-Totenkopfrerbaende, which were not part of the SS Forces. The very structure of the Waffen SS units was not a general SS, but an army model (squad, platoon, company, battalion, regiment, division). There were no permanent formations larger than the division in the Waffen SS. More about SS divisions can be read on the Arsenal website .

Ranks Waffen SS and SS-Totenkopfrerbaende from X-1936 to 1942

Why the generals of the Waffen SS added the words "... and general ... of the police" to the general SS rank, the author does not know, but in most of the original sources available to the author in German (official documents), these ranks are called that way, although the SS men who remain in the Allgemeine-SS have general ranks they did not have this additive.

In 1937, four officers' schools were created in the Waffen SS, the students of which had the following ranks:

In May 1942, the titles SS-Sturmscharfuehrer and SS-Oberstgruppenfuehrer were added to the SS rank scale. These were the last changes to the SS rank scale. Until the end of the millennial Reich, there were three years left.

General SS ranks from 1942 to 1945

Ranks Waffen SS and SS-Totenkopfrerbaende from V-1942 to 1945.

At the final stage of the war, the activities of SS organizations ceased with the occupation of this territory by the Red Army or Allied troops. Formally, the activities of the SS were terminated, and the organization itself was disbanded in the fall of 1945 on the basis of the decisions of the Potsdam Conference of the Allies on the denazification of Germany. By the verdict of the international tribunal in Nuremberg in the fall of 1946. The SS was declared a criminal organization, and membership in it was a crime. However, only the highest leaders and part of the middle SS personnel, as well as soldiers and officers of the SS troops and concentration camp guards, were subjected to real criminal prosecution. They were not recognized as prisoners of war when taken prisoner, and they were treated like criminals. From the camps of the USSR, convicted soldiers and officers of the SS troops were released under an amnesty at the end of 1955.

Military insignia are present on the uniform of servicemen and indicate the corresponding personal rank, a certain belonging to one of the branches of the armed forces (in this case, the Wehrmacht), branch of the army, department or service.

Interpretation of the concept "Wehrmacht"

These are the "defense forces" in 1935-1945. In other words, the Wehrmacht (photo below) is nothing more than the armed forces of Nazi Germany. At the head is the Supreme High Command of the country's armed forces, subordinate to which were the ground forces, the Navy and the Air Force, and the SS troops. They were led by the main commands (OKL, OKH, OKM) and the commanders-in-chief of various types of the Armed Forces (since 1940, also the SS troops). Wehrmacht - Reich Chancellor A. Hitler. A photo of Wehrmacht soldiers is shown below.

According to historical data, the word in question in the German-speaking states meant the armed forces of any country. It acquired its usual meaning when the NSDAP came to power.

On the eve of World War II, the Wehrmacht numbered approximately three million people, and its maximum number was 11 million people (as of December 1943).

Varieties of military signs

These include:

Uniform and insignia of the Wehrmacht

There were several varieties of uniforms and clothing. Each soldier had to independently monitor the state of his weapons and uniforms. Their replacement was carried out in accordance with established order or in the event of serious injury during the exercise. The military uniform lost color very quickly due to washing and daily brushing.

Soldiers' shoes were carefully examined (at all times, bad boots were a serious problem).

Since the formation of the Reichswehr in the period 1919 - 1935), the military uniform has become unified for all existing German states. Its color is "field gray" (translated as "field gray") - a wormwood shade with a predominant green pigment.

A new uniform (the uniform of the Wehrmacht - the armed forces of Nazi Germany in the period 1935 - 1945) was introduced along with a new model of the steel helmet. The ammunition, uniforms and helmet did not outwardly differ from their predecessors (existing in the Kaiser era).

At the whim of the Fuhrer, the elegance of the military was emphasized big amount various elements with signs, stripes, piping, badges, etc.). Devotion to National Socialism was expressed through the application of a black-white-red imperial cockade and a three-color visor on the helmet on the right side. The appearance of the imperial tricolor dates back to the middle of March 1933. In October 1935, an imperial eagle, holding a swastika in its claws, added to the uniform. At this time, the Reichswehr was renamed the Wehrmacht (photo was shown earlier).

This topic will be considered in relation to the Ground Forces and the Waffen-SS.

Insignia of the Wehrmacht and specifically the SS troops

To begin with, you should clarify some points. First, the SS troops and the SS organization itself are not identical concepts. The latter is the militant component of the Nazi party, formed by members of a public organization who, in parallel with the SS, carry out their profiling activities (worker, shopkeeper, civil servant, etc.). They were allowed to wear black uniforms, which since 1938 have been replaced by a light gray uniform with two Wehrmacht-type shoulder straps. The latter reflected the general SS ranks.

As for the SS troops, then, we can say, these are a kind of guard detachments ("reserve troops" - "Death's head formations" - Hitler's own troops), in which only SS members were accepted. They were equated with the soldiers of the Wehrmacht.

The difference in the ranks of the members of the SS organization for buttonholes existed until 1938. On the black uniform there was a single shoulder strap (on the right shoulder), by which it was possible to find out only the category of a specific member of the SS (private or non-commissioned officer, or junior or senior officer, or general). And after the light gray uniform was introduced (1938), another distinctive feature was added - the shoulder straps of the Wehrmacht type.

The insignia of the SS and servicemen and members of the organization are the same. However, the former still wear field uniforms, which are analogous to the Wehrmacht. She has two shoulder straps, outwardly similar to the Wehrmacht, and their military rank insignia are identical.

The system of ranks, and therefore the insignia, have undergone many changes, the last of which occurred in May 1942 (they did not transform until May 1945).

The military ranks of the Wehrmacht were designated by buttonholes, shoulder straps, braids and chevrons on the collar, and the last two insignia on the sleeves, as well as special sleeve patches mainly on camouflage military clothing, various stripes (gaps in contrasting color) on trousers, and the design of hats.

It was the SS field uniform that was finally established around 1938. If we consider the cut as a comparison criterion, then we can say that the Wehrmacht (ground forces) uniform and the SS uniform did not differ in any way. In color, the second was a little grayer and lighter, the green tint was practically not visible.

Also, if we describe the SS insignia (specifically the stripe), then the following points can be highlighted: the imperial eagle was located slightly above the middle of the segment from the shoulder to the elbow of the left sleeve, its pattern differed in the shape of the wings (there were often cases when it was the Wehrmacht eagle that was sewn onto the SS field uniform ).

Also, a distinctive feature, for example, on the SS tank uniform, was that the buttonholes, like those of the Wehrmacht tankers, were in pink edging. The insignia of the Wehrmacht in this case are represented by the presence of a "dead head" in both collar tabs. SS tankers could have rank insignia in the left buttonhole, and either a "dead head" or SS runes in the right buttonhole (in some cases it might not have insignia or, for example, in a number of divisions the emblem of tankers was placed there - crossbones skull). On the collar there were even buttonholes, the size of which was 45x45 mm.

Also, the insignia of the Wehrmacht include how the numbers of battalions or companies were squeezed out on the buttons of uniforms, which was not done in the case of the SS military uniform.

The emblem of the epaulettes, although it was identical to the Wehrmacht's, was quite rare (the exception was the first tank division, where the monogram was regularly worn on the epaulettes).

Another difference in the system that accumulates SS insignia is how the soldiers who were candidates for the rank of SS navigator wore a lace in the bottom of the shoulder strap the same color as its edging. This title is an analogue of a gefwriter in the Wehrmacht. And the candidates for SS Unterscharführer also wore a galloon (braid embroidered with silver) nine millimeters wide at the bottom of the shoulder strap. This rank is an analogue of a non-commissioned officer in the Wehrmacht.

As for the ranks of the privates, there was a difference in the buttonholes and sleeve patches, which were above the elbow, but below the imperial eagle in the center of the left sleeve.

If we consider camouflage clothing (where there are no buttonholes and shoulder straps), we can say that the SS men never had rank insignia on it, but they preferred to release collars with their buttonholes over this one.

In general, the discipline of wearing uniforms in the Wehrmacht was much higher than in the troops of which they allowed themselves a large number of liberties regarding this issue, and their generals and officers did not seek to suppress this type of violation, on the contrary, they often made similar ones. And this is only a small part of the distinctive features of the uniform of the Wehrmacht and the Waffen SS.

If we summarize all of the above, then we can conclude that the insignia of the Wehrmacht is much wiser than not only the SS, but also the Soviet ones.

Ground Forces

They were presented as follows:

• privates;
• non-commissioned officers without harness (galloon or belt sling for carrying tashka, cold, and later firearms);
• non-commissioned officers with harnesses;
• lieutenants;
• captains;
• headquarters officers;
• generals.

Military ranks also extended to military officials of various departments and departments. The military administration was subdivided into categories from the most junior non-commissioned officers to noble generals.

Troop colors of the ground forces of the Wehrmacht

In Germany, the branch of the military was traditionally indicated by the corresponding colors of edging and buttonholes, headdresses and uniforms, and so on. They changed quite often. During the outbreak of World War II, the following color distinction was in effect:

1. White - infantry and border guards, financiers and treasurers.
2. Scarlet - field, horse and self-propelled artillery, as well as general's piping, buttonholes and stripes.
3. Crimson or carmine red - non-commissioned officers of the veterinary service, as well as buttonholes, stripes and shoulder straps of the Main Apartment and the General Staff of the High Command of the Wehrmacht and ground forces.
4. Pink - anti-tank self-propelled artillery; edging of details of a tank uniform; gaps and selection of buttonholes for officers' service jackets, gray-green jackets for non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
5. Golden yellow - cavalry, reconnaissance units of tank units and scooters.
6. Lemon yellow - signal troops.
7. Burgundy - military chemists and courts; smoke screens and multi-barrel reactive "chemical" mortars.
8. Black - engineering troops (sapper, railway, training units), technical service. The sappers of tank units have black and white edging.
9. Cornflower blue - medical personnel (excluding generals).
10. Light blue - the edges of the vehicle parts.
11. Light green - military pharmacists, gamekeepers, and mining units.
12. Grass green - motorized infantry regiment, motorcycle units.
13. Gray - army propagandists and officers of the landwehr and reserve (edging on the shoulder straps of military colors).
14. Blue-gray - registration service, officials of the American administration, specialist officers.
15. Orange - military police and engineering academy officers, recruitment service (edging color).
16. Purple - military priests
17. Dark green - military officials.
18. Light red - quartermasters.
19. Blue - military lawyers.
20. Yellow - horse store service.
21. Lemon - Feld post.
22. Light brown - recruit training service.

Shoulder straps in the military uniform of Germany

They had a dual purpose: as a means of determining rank and as carriers of a unitary function (fastening on the shoulder of various kinds of equipment).

The shoulder straps of the Wehrmacht (rank and file) were made of simple cloth, but with edging, which had a certain color corresponding to the type of troops. If we take into consideration the shoulder straps of a non-commissioned officer, then we can note the presence of an additional edging, consisting of braid (width - nine millimeters).

Until 1938, there was a special army shoulder strap exclusively for field uniforms, which were worn by all ranks below the officer. It was entirely dark blue-green with a slightly tapered end to the button. The edging corresponding to the color of the military branch was not fixed on it. The soldiers of the Wehrmacht, to highlight the color, embroidered insignia (numbers, letters, emblems) on them.

The officers (lieutenants, captains) had narrower shoulder straps, which looked like two intertwining strands made of flat silver "Russian braid" (the strand was woven in such a way that thinner threads were visible). All strands were sewn onto the flap of the color of the branch of the military, which is the basis of this shoulder strap. The special bend (U-shaped) of the braid in the place of the hole for the button helped to create the illusion of its eight strands, when in fact there were only two of them.

The shoulder straps of the Wehrmacht (headquarters officers) were also made using "Russian braid", but in such a way as to demonstrate a row, consisting of five separate loops located on both sides of the shoulder strap, in addition to the loop around the button located at the top of it.

General's shoulder straps had a distinctive feature - "Russian braid". It was made from two separate strands of gold, twisted on both sides with one silver "ribbed" thread. The weaving method meant the visibility of three knots in the middle and four loops on each side of it, in addition to one loop located around the button at the top of the shoulder strap.

The Wehrmacht officials had, as a rule, the same shoulder straps as those of the active army. However, they were still distinguished by a light introduction of a thread of a braid of dark green color and various kinds of emblems.

It will not be superfluous to remind once again that shoulder straps are the signs of the Wehrmacht.

Buttonholes and shoulder straps of generals

As mentioned earlier, the generals of the Wehrmacht wore shoulder straps, for the weaving of which two thickened golden-metal braids and a silver soutache were used between them.

They also had removable shoulder straps, which (as in the case of the ground forces) had a lining of scarlet cloth with a special figured cut running along the circumference of the harnesses (their lower edge). And the folded and sewn-in shoulder straps were distinguished by direct lining.

The generals of the Wehrmacht wore silvery stars on their shoulder straps, while there was some difference: major generals did not have stars, lieutenant generals - one, general of a certain type of troops (infantry, tank troops, cavalry, etc.) - two, general-oberst - three (two adjacent stars at the bottom of the shoulder strap and one slightly above them). Previously, there was such a rank as Colonel General in the position of Field Marshal, which was not used by the beginning of the war. The shoulder strap of this rank had two stars, which were located in its upper and lower parts. The Field Marshal could be distinguished by the crossed silver rods along the shoulder strap.

There were also exceptional moments. So, for example, Gerd von Rundstedt (Field Marshal General, who was removed from command due to defeat at Rostov, Chief of the 18th Infantry Regiment) wore the regiment number on the shoulder straps on top of the field marshal's batons, and also on the collar the white and silver ceremonial buttonholes of the infantry officer troops instead of the richly ornamented gold buttonholes embroidered on a scarlet cloth flap (size 40x90 mm), which are supposed to be generals. Their pattern was found even during the times of the Kaiser's army and the Reichswehr, with the formation of the GDR and the FRG, it also appeared among the generals.

From the beginning of April 1941, elongated buttonholes were introduced for field marshals, which had three (instead of the previous two) ornamental elements and shoulder straps from thickened golden braids.

Another sign of general's dignity is stripes.

The field marshal could also carry in his hand a natural rod, which was made of wood especially valuable breeds, individually decorated, lavishly inlaid with silver and gold and embellished with reliefs.

Personal identification mark

It looked like an oval aluminum token with three longitudinal slots, which serve to a certain moment(the hour of death) it could be broken into two halves (the first, with two holes, was left on the body of the deceased, and the other half with one hole was given to the headquarters).

The soldiers of the Wehrmacht wore this, as a rule, on a chain or on a neck lace. The following was stamped on each token: blood group, badge number, battalion number, regiment where this badge was issued for the first time. This information was supposed to accompany the soldier throughout his entire service life, if necessary supplemented with similar data from other units and troops.

An image of the German soldiers can be seen in the photo "Wehrmacht Soldier" shown above.

Find in Besh-Kunghei

According to official data, in April 2014, a city dweller D. Lukichev found a treasure from the Second World War in the village of Besh-Kunghei (Kyrgyzstan). While digging a cesspool, he came across a metal army field locker of the Third Reich. Its contents are baggage items from 1944 to 1945. (over 60 years old), which has not suffered from moisture due to its tight insulation by means of a rubber gasket on the drawer lid.

It included:

• a light case with the words "Mastenbrille" containing glasses;
• a rolled-up vanity case with pockets filled with toiletries;
• mittens, removable collars, socks with footcloths, a clothes brush, sweater, braces and dust protectors;
• a bundle tied with twine with a supply of leather and fabric to repair;
• granules of some agent (presumably from moths);
• an almost new jacket worn by an officer of the Wehrmacht, with a spare sewing-on emblem of the military branch and a metal badge;
• hats ( winter hat and kepi) with insignia;
• military passes through front-line checkpoints;
• a denomination of five Reichsmarks;
• a couple of bottles of rum;
• a box of cigars.

Dmitry thought about donating most of his uniforms to the museum. As for the bottles of rum, a box of cigars and a jacket worn by an officer of the Wehrmacht, he wants to keep them on the rights of the legal 25% set by the state when finding historical value.

One of the most brutal and ruthless organizations of the 20th century is the SS. Ranks, decals, functions - all this was different from those in other types and branches of troops in Nazi Germany. Reichsminister Himmler even brought together all the disparate security detachments (SS) into a single army - the Waffen SS. In the article, we will take a closer look at the military ranks and insignia of the SS troops. And first, a little about the history of the creation of this organization.

Prerequisites for the formation of the SS

In March 1923, Hitler was worried that the leaders of the Storm Troops (SA) were beginning to feel their power and importance in the NSDAP party. This was due to the fact that both the party and the SA had the same sponsors, for whom the goal of the National Socialists was important - to carry out a coup, and they did not have much sympathy for the leaders themselves. Sometimes it even came to an open confrontation between the leader of the SA - Ernst Rohm - and Adolf Hitler. It was at this time, apparently, that the future Fuhrer decides to strengthen his personal power, creating a detachment of bodyguards - the staff guard. He was the first prototype of the future SS. They did not have titles, but the insignia had already appeared. The abbreviation for the headquarters guard was also SS, but it came from the German word Stawsbache. In each hundred of the SA, Hitler allocated 10-20 people, ostensibly to protect high-ranking party leaders. They personally had to swear an oath to Hitler, and their selection was carried out carefully.

A few months later, Hitler renamed the organization Stosstruppe - this was the name of the shock units of the Kaiser's army during the First World War. The SS abbreviation nevertheless remained the same, despite the fundamentally new name. It is worth noting that the entire Nazi ideology was associated with an aura of mystery, historical continuity, allegorical symbols, pictograms, runes, etc. Even the NSDAP symbol - the swastika - Hitler took from ancient Indian mythology.

Stosstrup Adolf Hitler - the strike force "Adolf Hitler" - acquired the definitive features of the future SS. They did not yet have their rank, but insignia appeared, which Himmler would later retain - a skull on headdresses, a black distinctive color of uniforms, etc. The "dead head" on the uniform symbolized the detachment's readiness to defend Hitler himself at the cost of his life. The basis for the future usurpation of power was prepared.

Emergence of Strumstaffel - SS

After the Beer Putsch, Hitler ended up in prison, where he remained until December 1924. The circumstances that allowed the future Fuhrer to be released after an attempt to seize power by force are still unclear.

Released, Hitler first of all banned the SA from carrying weapons and positioning himself as an alternative to the German army. The fact is that the Weimar Republic could have only a limited contingent of troops under the terms of the Versailles Peace Treaty after the First World War. It seemed to many that the armed forces of the SA were a legitimate way to avoid the restriction.

At the beginning of 1925, the NSDAP was again restored, and in November - the "shock detachment". At first it was called Strumstaffen, and on November 9, 1925, it received its final name - Schutzstaffel - "cover squadron". The organization had nothing to do with aviation. This name was invented by Hermann Goering, a famous fighter pilot of the First World War. He liked to use aviation terms in Everyday life... Over time, the "aviation term" was forgotten, and the abbreviation has always been translated as "security squads". It was headed by Hitler's favorites - Shrek and Schaub.

Selection in the SS

The SS gradually became an elite unit with decent salaries in foreign currency, which was considered a luxury for the Weimar Republic with its hyperinflation and unemployment. All Germans of working age were eager to join the SS. Hitler himself carefully selected his personal guard. The following requirements were imposed on the candidates:

1. Age from 25 to 35 years old.
2. The presence of two recommendations from the current members of the SS.
3. Permanent residence in one place for five years.
4. The presence of such positive qualities, like sobriety, strength, health, discipline.

New development under Heinrich Himmler

The SS, despite the fact that it was personally subordinate to Hitler and the Reichsfuehrer SS - from November 1926 this position was occupied by Joseph Berthold, nevertheless it was part of the SA structures. The attitude towards the "elite" in the assault detachments was contradictory: the commanders did not want to have SS members in their units, so they shouldered various responsibilities, for example, distributing leaflets, signing up for Nazi propaganda, etc.

In 1929, Heinrich Himmler became the leader of the SS. Under him, the number of the organization began to grow rapidly. The SS turns into an elite closed organization with its own charter, mystical ritual of entry, imitating the traditions of medieval knightly Orders. A real SS man had to marry an "exemplary woman." Heinrich Himmler introduced a new mandatory requirement for joining the renewed organization: the candidate had to prove evidence of purity of origin in three generations. However, this was not all: the new Reichsfuehrer SS ordered all members of the organization to look for brides only with a "pure" genealogy. Himmler managed to nullify the subordination of his SA organization, and then completely withdraw from it after he helped Hitler get rid of the SA leader, Ernst Rohm, who sought to turn his organization into a mass people's army.

A detachment of bodyguards was transformed first into a personal guard regiment of the Fuhrer, and then into a personal SS army. Ranks, insignia, uniform - everything indicated that the unit was independent. Next, let's talk in more detail about insignia. Let's start with the rank of SS in the Third Reich.

Reichsfuehrer SS

At the head was the Reichsfuehrer SS - Heinrich Himmler. Many historians claim that he intended to usurp power in the future. In the hands of this man was control not only over the SS, but also over the Gestapo - the secret police, the political police and the security service (SD). Despite the fact that many of the above organizations were subordinate to one person, they were completely different structures, which sometimes even were at enmity with each other. Himmler was well aware of the importance of a ramified structure of different services concentrated in the same hands, so he was not afraid of Germany's defeat in the war, believing that such a person would be useful to the Western Allies. However, his plans were not destined to come true, and he died in May 1945, biting through an ampoule of poison in his mouth.

Consider the highest ranks of the SS among the Germans and their correspondence with the German army.

SS High Command Hierarchy

The insignia of the SS high command consisted in the fact that on the buttonholes on both sides were depicted Nordic ritual symbols and oak leaves. Exceptions - SS Standartenfuehrer and SS Oberfuehrer - wore oak leaf, but belonged to senior officers. The more of them there were on the buttonholes, the higher the title of their owner.

The highest ranks of the SS among the Germans and their correspondence with the land army:

SS officers

Consider the features of the officer corps. The SS Hauptsturmführer and lower ranks no longer had oak leaves on their collar tabs. Also on the right buttonhole they had the SS coat of arms - a Nordic symbol of two lightning bolts.

SS officer hierarchy:

I would like to note right away that the German stars did not resemble the five-pointed Soviet ones - they were four-pointed, rather resembling squares or rhombuses. Next in the hierarchy are the non-commissioned officer ranks of the SS in the Third Reich. More about them in the next paragraph.

Non-commissioned officers

Hierarchy of non-commissioned officers:

Buttonholes are the main, but not the only insignia of ranks. Also, the hierarchy could be determined by shoulder straps and stripes. The military ranks of the SS were sometimes subject to change. However, above we have presented the hierarchy and the main differences at the time of the end of World War II.