Alternative History
Register
Advertisement
Imperial Navy
Kaiserliche Marine
War Ensign of Germany 1903-1918

Naval ensign
Active 1872 - present
Country German Empire
Type Navy
Size 1.2 million active personnel

110 surface ships
62 U-boats

Part of Seekriegsleitung
Garrison/HQ Wilhelmshaven, Kiel
Engagements World War I
Spanish Civil War
World War II
Commanders
Current
commander
Großadmiral Erich Raeder
Notable
commanders
Alfred von Tirpitz
Henning von Holtzendorff
Aircraft flown
Attack Messerschmitt Bf 109
Bomber Junkers Ju 87

The Kaiserliche Marine or Imperial Navy is the German Navy created by the formation of the German Empire. It has existed since 1871, growing out of the Prussian Navy and Norddeutsche Bundesmarine. Kaiser Wilhelm II greatly expanded the Navy, causing a naval arms race between the German Empire and the British Empire. The Navy grew to become one of the greatest maritime forces in the world, second only to that of the Royal Navy. Ships of the Kaiserliche Marine are designated SMS, for Seiner Majestät Schiff (His Majesty's Ship).

Advertisement