Ranks and Trades

All military associations have a ranking system and this is especially true of all re-enactment groups, including the U-Boat Society. In keeping with historical context, we have a fair and balanced rank structure, which follows the model of the Kriegsmarine in general and a type V11C U-Boat in particular.

As previously stated, initial membership will consist of those drawn from other re-enactment groups, although active recruitment of non re-enactors will commence during the Summer shows onwards. This DOES NOT mean that members will be automatically allowed to wear the equivalent awards and rank earned by the member concerned with his or her main re-enactment group, but will be at the discretion of the chairman and duputy chairmen. All new UBS members will start at thelowest ranking vacancies within the group unless under very special circumstances, apologies for this but we believe that promotions and awards should be earned purely on merit as this would not be fair on longer serving members of the society.

Please note: Officer ranks will only be filled by the dedicated day-to-day ‘Admin’ and ‘organiser’ positions of the U-Boat Society. This is to reflect the responsibility and commitment of the said member(s.)

Important: Promotions and assignments within the society are dependent on vacancies and the service and commitment of the member towards the U-Boat Society.
RANKING SYSTEM AND COMPLEMENT OF A TYPE V11 U-BOAT

Officers (4.)

Kapitan-Leutnant 1. (Commander.) (UBS Chairman/Admin)
Oberleutnant-zur-see 1. (First Watch officer - number 1.)  (Deputy Chairman)
Leutnant-zur-see 1. (Second Watch Officer – number 2.)   
Leitender Ingenieur 1. (Chief Engineer officer.)

Officer cadets/Midshipmen (2)

Oberfahnrich-zur-see 1.
Fahnrich-zur-see 1.

Chief Petty Officers/Petty officers (Senior NCO’s.)

Stabsoberbootsmann 1 (Chief Bosun – in charge of discipline.)
Discipline
Oberbootsmann
Bootsmann.
Navigation
Obersteuermann 1 (Chief navigator.)
Steuermann.
Communications.
Oberfunkmann 1 (i/c Radio room.)
Funkmann.

Engine room

Diesel-Obermaschinist 1. (Engine room.)
Elektro-Obermaschinist 1. (Electrics.)
Diesel-Maschinist.
Electro-Maschinist.

Main sections and ranks within a U-boat:-

Discipline

Oberbootsmaat, Bootsmaat.

Funk (Radio) section (5.)

Oberfunkmaat, Funkmaat, Funkhauptgefrieter, Funkobergefrieter, Funkgefrieter.

Torpedo section (5.)

Obermechanikermaat, Mechanikermaat, Mechanikerhauptgefrieter, Mechanikerobergefrieter, Mechanikergefrieter.

Artillerie (Gunnery) section (5.)

Oberartilleriemaat, Artilleriemaat, Artilleriehauptgefrieter, Artillerieobergefrieter, Artilleriegefrieter.

Matrosen/general Seamen ranks (15-20.)

Matrosenhauptgefrieter, Matrosenobergefrieter, Matrosengefrieter, Matrosen.

These rules are subject to change and revision. Additional rules can be added as seen fit and proper by the U-Boat Society.