German Imperial Navy Flag

In 1898, the German Navy was known as the Reichsmarine, or the Imperial Navy. At the time, Germany’s submarine (U-boat) program was experimenting with different designs to increase range, speed, and maneuverability. In The Hesperus Prophecy, one of these early prototype U-boats captures Mary Elizabeth and Hesperus after the La Bourgogne sinks.

In 1935, the German Navy was renamed the Kriegsmarine (War Navy), mirroring Nazi Germany’s intent. The flag design was changed as well, from the flag of the German Imperial Navy to include the familiar swastika of World War Two.

Reichsmarine (Imperial Navy) Flag

Kriegsmarine (War Navy) Flag