Vizeadmiral

In the Austro-Hungarian Navy there were the flag-officer ranks Kontreadmiral (also spelled Konterdmiral in the 20th century), Viceadmiral , and Admiral, as well as Großadmiral.

In the Belgian Navy, the rank is known as Vizeadmiral (in German), Vice-admiraal (in Flemish) and Vice-amiral (in French).

Rank insignia and rating

Its rank insignia, worn on the sleeves and shoulders, are one five-pointed star above a big gold stripe and two normal ones (without the star when rank loops are worn). It is grade B8 in the pay rules of the Federal Ministry of Defence.

The sequence of ranks (top-down approach) in that particular group is as follows:

• OF-9: Admiral (Germany) / General (Germany)
• OF-8: Vizeadmiral / Generalleutnant
• OF-7: Konteradmiral / Generalmajor
• OF-6: Flottillenadmiral / Brigadegeneral

History

Imperial German Navy and Kriegsmarine

In the Kaiserliche Marine and Kriegsmarine, Vizeadmiral was a flag officer rank equivalent to a Heer or Luftwaffe Generalleutnant, and to an SS-Gruppenführer und Generalleutnant of the Waffen-SS.

The rank insignia consisted of shoulder strap and sleeve stripes. Shoulder straps had to be worn on uniform jackets and consisted of twisted gold-braids (one pip or star) on padding in navy blue weapon color.

Cuff insignia consisted of one golden big stripe, two normal stripes, and a five-point naval star above. The sleeve rings encircled the lower cuffs.

National People's Army

Vizeadmiral was the second lowest flag officer grade of the Volksamarine, equivalent to the Generalleutnant.

In the GDR Volksmarine there were 3 flag officer ranks: Konteradmiral, Vizeadmiral, and Admiral. The GDR State Council decided 25 March 1982 to introduce the rank of Flottenadmiral.

Insignia

• Mollo, Andrew (2001). The Armed Forces of World War II: Uniforms, Insignia & Organisation. Leicester: Silverdale books. ISBN 1-85605-603-1.