There are good pre-war photos showing this in use, viz the Graf Spee's world cruise, for instance. U-boat crews would always wear these at formal events such as the Indienstellung (commissioning) of their boat, reverting to the schiffchen (fore and aft cap) for regular service use.

There are good pre-war photos showing this in use, viz the Graf Spee's world cruise, for instance. U-boat crews would always wear these at formal events such as the Indienstellung (commissioning) of their boat, reverting to the schiffchen (fore and aft cap) for regular service use.

There are good pre-war photos showing this in use, viz the Graf Spee's world cruise, for instance. U-boat crews would always wear these at formal events such as the Indienstellung (commissioning) of their boat, reverting to the schiffchen (fore and aft cap) for regular service use.

This commemorates the moment when Adolf Hitler ordered his troops to occupy the Saarland, hitherto under French control. The French army offered no resistance and, to compound matters, meekly packed up and left, offering the Reich its first bloodless victory!

These oval badges were worn by NCOs and denoted their particular professional skill, in this case naval ordnance. It would have been worn on the upper left arm.

These oval badges were worn by NCOs and denoted their particular professional skill, in this case Sperrvormann (I think this is either mine layer or possibly mine sweeper). It would have been worn on the upper left arm.

These oval badges were worn by NCOs and denoted their particular professional skill, in this case a cartographer. It would have been worn on the upper left arm.

These oval badges were worn by NCOs and denoted their particular professional skill, in this case an administrative post. It would have been worn on the upper left arm.

These oval badges were worn by NCOs and denoted their particular professional skill, in this case a mechanic. It would have been worn on the upper left arm. The mechanics would have been responsible for maintaining the basic mechanical/engineering elements on the ship.

These oval badges were worn by NCOs and denoted their particular professional skill, in this case an administrative post. It would have been worn on the upper left arm.