Minifigure – German Navy Commodore (Kommodore) in Mess Dress (LEGO Compatible)

The Figure: WWII German Navy Commodore (Kommodore) in Mess Dress

This toy minifigure represents a high-ranking officer of the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) holding the rank of Commodore (Kommodore). Unlike the previous figures in combat or service gear, this character is depicted in the formal Naval Mess Dress (Messeanzug), worn for evening galas, dinners, and high-profile ceremonial events.

• Uniform (The Mess Dress): He wears the Dark Blue Mess Jacket (Messejacke), which is cut short at the waist.

  • Bowtie & Vest: Underneath the jacket, the print clearly details a White Waistcoat/Vest and a black Bowtie. This formal “black tie” naval attire was reserved for social events in the officer’s mess or state functions.

  • Insignia: Even on this formal jacket, the Gold Naval Eagle is present on the right breast, and his rank is indicated by the gold stripes on the sleeves.

• Headgear: He wears the standard Blue Officer’s Peaked Cap (Schirmmütze). It features the silver Naval Wreath and Cockade and the Imperial Eagle on the peak. The black leather chinstrap (or simplified dark print) contrasts with the blue cap.

• Decorations:

  • Iron Cross & Ribbon Bar: Pinned to the left lapel of his mess jacket is the Iron Cross 1st Class and a small Ribbon Bar, indicating that despite his formal attire, he is a decorated combat veteran.

  • Naval Badge: Below the cross, a gold oval badge (likely the High Seas Fleet Badge or Destroyer War Badge) is visible.

• Accessory (The Flag): The figure stands next to a specific flag known as the Commodore’s Standard (Kommodorestandarte).

  • Detail: It is a white flag featuring a large black cross and a smaller cross in the upper corner. The dashed lines on the right side of the print mimic the “swallow-tail” shape of the actual historical broad pennant used to identify a ship carrying a Commodore.

Historical Background: In the Kriegsmarine, Commodore was not a permanent rank like in other navies, but a functional title given to a senior Captain (Kapitän zur See) who was placed in command of a squadron of ships or a U-boat flotilla. Because it was a position of high authority without being a full Admiral, they flew the “Broad Pennant” (the flag shown in the set) rather than a square Admiral’s flag. This figure represents such a commander enjoying a moment of respite at a formal naval dinner.