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 Kriegsmarine service pennants were introduced in 1934, as national insignia pennants, but were officially called service pennants (dienstwimple) from May 18, 1938 onward. These pennants were displayed on the front left fender of vehicles used by Kriegsmarine personnel with an Officer rank, or an equivalent Official rank. When the associated personnel was not in the vehicle the pennant was removed.

These pennants feature a blue cloth background with a woven yellow-coloured Kriegsmarine pattern national emblem in the centre of the pennant. The border of the pennant has additional yellow/gold coloured cord/trim or tress depending on the rank of the associated personnel. The cord/trim border was added to the pennant design for all ranks in 1936. In 1941, the cord piping was replaced by gold-coloured tress decorated with small swastikas, for Admirals and Commodores, and Officials of equivalent rank. The tress may be composed woven celleon or bullion.