As with trade insignia, the rank insignia used within the U-Bootwaffe was the standard pattern used throughout the navy. Those shown here relect the range of ranks encountered on a typical U-Boat.
Senior NCOs
Senior NCO Ranks were based on those of the Army, running from the equivalent of Feldwebel, through Stabsfeldwebel, Oberfeldwebel and Stabsoberfeldwebel, though as can be seen the system of placing rank pips differed somewhat.
Feldwebel
This Feldwebel rank strap is for the position of Funkmeister
Stabsfeldwebel
This strap is for the rank of Stabsbootsmann. Note the unusual placement of pips side by side.
Oberfeldwebel
This Oberfeldwebel equivalent strap is for the rank of Obersteuermann
Stabsoberfeldwebel
Stabsoberfeldwebel equivalent strap for the rank of Stabsobermaschinist
Leutnant Ranks
Left to Right: Straps for the rank of Leutnant zur See, Oberleutnant zur See and Kapitänleutnant zur See. The rank of Leutnant would generally be held by the Second Watch Officer (2.W.O.), Oberleutnant by the First Watch Officer (I.W.O.) and the Engineering Officer (L.I.). Some Captains held the rank of Oberleutnant zur See but most were Kapitänleutnant.
Field Grade Officers
Generally speaking, most U-Boat captains held the rank of Kapitänleutnant, though there were a few with the rank of Korvettenkapitän (Left), Fregattenkapitän (Centre) and Kapitän zur See (Right) tended to be at the level of Flotilla Commander.
Others
U-Boats often also carried Officer aspirants. Shouledr straps above are for (Left) Fähnrich and (Centre) Oberfähnrich. An engineering officer was also carried, most typically on a Type VII boat, he would have the rank of Oberleutnant (Ing.) as shown at right, and carry a small gilt cognwheel insignia on his shoulder strap.(Left) Fähnrich and )Centre) Oberfähnrich
Some of the larger U-Boats (Type IX) carried a medical officer on board. The strap shown is for the rank of Marineoberassistenzarzt
Above the sleeve rings indicating their rank, officers wore a small trade insignia. At left is shown that for a medical mfficer (carried on some larger, Type IX, U-Boats), a cogwheel for engineering officers and the star worn by regular line officer.
