Imperial Navy Kaiserliche Marine | |
---|---|
Naval ensign | |
Active | 1872 - present |
Country | German Empire |
Type | Navy |
Size | 1.2 million active personnel
110 surface ships |
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).