Minifigure – Erich RaederGerman Grand Admiral (Großadmiral) (LEGO Compatible)

The Figure: WWII German Grand Admiral (Großadmiral) – Erich Raeder

This toy minifigure represents Erich Raeder, the highest-ranking officer in the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) at the beginning of World War II. As indicated by the text on the image, he is depicted in his full dress uniform as a Grand Admiral, a rank he held before being succeeded by Karl Dönitz.

• Uniform: He wears the Dark Blue (Dunkelblau) Double-Breasted Service Tunic. This was the standard formal uniform for high-ranking naval officers. The print details show the double row of gold buttons and the distinct naval cut.

• Headgear: He wears the White-Topped Peaked Cap (Schirmmütze).

  • Detail: The cap features the gold Imperial Eagle on the peak and the Wreath and Cockade below. The white top was often worn by commanders and admirals, particularly in summer or for dress occasions.

• Rank Insignia:

  • Sleeve Stripes: On his sleeves, the printing clearly shows the complex gold stripe arrangement of a Grand Admiral: one broad stripe accompanied by three thinner stripes above it.

  • Shoulder Boards: He wears the interwoven gold and silver Epaulettes of a fleet commander.

• Decorations:

  • Knight’s Cross: Around his neck, he wears the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz), awarded for his leadership of the Navy.

  • Ribbon Bar: A detailed multi-colored Ribbon Bar is printed above his left pocket, representing his long service career spanning back to WWI.

  • Breast Eagle: The gold Kriegsmarine Eagle is prominent on his right breast.

• Accessories:

  • The Flag (Unique Feature): Unlike the previous figures that had the War Ensign, this figure stands next to the Grand Admiral’s Standard (Großadmiralstandarte). This square flag features a large Iron Cross, a gold eagle, and Crossed Batons, which is the personal command flag of a Grand Admiral.

  • Ceremonial Dagger: On the left leg print (“Side – Left”), a gold Naval Dagger is visible hanging from his belt, a symbol of officer status.

Historical Background: Erich Raeder was the Commander-in-Chief of the Kriegsmarine for the first half of WWII. He was the architect of “Plan Z,” a massive project to build a powerful German surface fleet to challenge the British Royal Navy. However, due to the war starting earlier than expected, he focused on using pocket battleships and cruisers for commerce raiding. He often clashed with Hitler over naval strategy and was eventually replaced by Karl Dönitz (the submarine specialist) in 1943.