Late-war Marine Infantry units

[simondodkins]

Hello All,

I am trying to decipher this rank for this Gefreiter.

Can anyone help ID it? :



The background is that this is an original name label left in a German bunker constructed at Millbrook, Jersey.

After August 1944 a number of German KM vessels were laid up in the harbour for a lack of fuel, and their crews were hastily retrained as infantry. Once re-trained they formed Matrosen Kompanie König (under a KM officer – probably a Leutnant - of the same name) and were put to work manning the fixed defences between Millbrook and St. Aubin.

This is a name tag from Matrosen Kompanie König. But what is that rank?

[Scarlett]

Strm. was the abbreviation of Sturmmann, in Waffen-SS the same rank as Gefreiter in the Heer.

In the Kriegsmarine Strm. was the abbreviation of Steuermann, the same rank as Feldwebel in the Heer.

The combination of Strm. and Gefreiter is mysterious for me.

[simondodkins]

Thanks Scarlett...much appreciated

[Alexander Bergen]

Greetings!

I agree with the statement of Scarlett and have never seen anything like it.

The only possible explanation I can think of is that Gefreiter Herm was the helmsman (Steuermann) in a small naval vessel or boat.

[obermatrose]

Hello there in the web-space!

this is the solution of the mystery: the letters are: Strm.Gefr. Herm. It means: Steuermannsgefreiter Herm.
"Steuermannsgefreiter" is a rank in the German Navy "Kriegsmarine" similar to SEAMAN APRENTICE in the US-Navy. But it is a special one. If the "Steuermannsgefreiter" graduates, he will become "STEUERMANN" = (nearly) helmsman/mate.

GREETINGS to all those interested in NAVY-matters all around the world

OBERMATROSE of GERMANY
Member

[Polar bear]

hi,

Strm.Gefr. Herm. It means: Steuermannsgefreiter Herm.
"Steuermannsgefreiter" is a rank in the German Navy "Kriegsmarine" similar to SEAMAN APRENTICE in the US-Navy. But it is a special one. If the "Steuermannsgefreiter" graduates, he will become "STEUERMANN" = (nearly) helmsman/mate.

"Steuermannsgefreiter" as rank with explanation is correct.
"helmsman" is not correct. The "Steuermanns-" branch was responsible for the navigation of the ship.

later in the war (1943-45), an experienced "Obersteuermann" (Chief Petty Officer, Navigation branch) might become Commanding officer of a smaller vessel. Quite a number made it to Commanding officer of an E-boat.

greetings, the pb