When future officers reached the Fähnrichs-rank they usually served for a whole year in the Kriegsmarine. Up on reaching this rank the Fähnrich's started usually the officer course on the Marineschule Mürwik.
Usually two Fähnrich's were on board of a front boat as WO-Schüler, to learn all the things they would have to do as Watch Officers. During the war a Fähnrich was already an IIWO.
They wear the same uniform as the officers, only the shoulder-straps are narrower and they had none stripe on the shade of cap. On the sleeve they only wear the star.
Fähnrich's during training. |
Fähnrich on conning tower during patrol in the Mediterranean |
Fähnrich Otto Hartmann who later commanded U-77. |
Fähnrich Werner Schwaff, later commander of U-2, U-333 and U-440 |