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Standartenführer facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Bundesarchiv Bild 101III-Bueschel-056-21A, Russland, Hermann Fegelein
Hermann Fegelein as an SS-Standartenführer

Standartenführer was a special military rank used by the Nazi Party in Germany. It was part of both the S.A. (a Nazi group often called "Stormtroopers") and the S.S. (another powerful Nazi group). This rank was first created in 1925. By 1928, it became one of the first official officer ranks for the Nazis. It was given to S.A. and S.S. officers who led units called Standarten. Each Standarte was a group of about 300 to 500 men.

In 1929, the rank of Standartenführer was briefly split into two levels: Standartenführer (I) and Standartenführer (II). However, this idea was soon dropped in 1930. This happened because both the S.A. and S.S. were growing quickly. They needed a bigger system of ranks to manage all their members.

What Standartenführer Meant

By the time World War II began, Standartenführer was a common rank. It was used as both an SS rank and a rank in the S.A.. In the Waffen-SS, which was the armed branch of the S.S., this rank was equal to an Oberst. An Oberst is the German word for a colonel in a regular army.

How to Spot a Standartenführer

The special sign, or insignia, for a Standartenführer was a single oak leaf. This leaf was worn on both sides of their uniform collar. It was the first S.S. and S.A. rank that had insignia on both collars. After 1938, newer SS uniforms also included shoulder boards. These shoulder boards were the same as those worn by a German Oberst. The oak leaf collar patches were still used as well.

Other Interesting Facts

  • Standartenführer Stirlitz, also known as Colonel Isayev, is a famous character. He is a hero in a popular Russian book series. He is also well-known from many Russian jokes.
Rank Below
Obersturmbannführer
SS rank and SA rank
Standartenführer
Rank Above
Oberführer

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Standartenführer para niños

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