BACKGROUND: The Kriegsmarine adopted rank chevrons for all enlisted ranks in 1933. The chevrons were worn on the upper left sleeve of most garments, with a few exceptions and the base color of the chevron was to match the uniform it was worn on. The Kriegsmarine rank chevrons underwent four modifications between 1933 and 1940, in an unsuccessful attempt to conform to the army EM’s rank chevrons. Of Note: Quite often the rank chevrons were combined with the individuals career insignia. This example of rank chevron was first introduced in 1933 for the rank of Obergefreiter, in 1937, it was delegated for the rank of Oberstabsmatrose/Gefreiter and in 1938 it was delegated for the rank of Hauptgefreiter and remained in use for the duration of the war.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Final version, (1938-1945), Hauptgefreiter rank insignia consist of three, machine woven, ribbed, gilt wire chevrons machine stitched to an inverted, triangular, navy blue wool base.