Editing Generalfeldmarschall (section)

===Kingdom of Prussia and German Empire===
{{multiple image
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| image1    = Bavarian Army OF-10 - Generalfeldmarschall (1814-1826).png
| caption1  = [[Collar patches|Collar patch]] 1832
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 | image2    = Generalfeldmarschall (Prussia) - Full dress.gif
| caption2  = Epaulette
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| caption3  = [[Shoulder board]]
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 | image4    = OF10 Generalfeldmarschall (Bayern) 1918.gif
| caption4  = [[Service uniform]]
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| header    = Rank insignia / uniform
| footer    = Generalfeldmarschall until 1918
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In the [[Royal Prussian Army]], the subsequent [[Imperial German Army]] and later in the ''[[Wehrmacht]]'' of [[Nazi Germany]], the rank of ''Generalfeldmarschall'' had several privileges, such as elevation to nobility, equal protocol rank with Cabinet ministers, the right of reporting directly to the [[King of Prussia|monarch]], and a constant escort.

In 1854, the rank of ''[[Generaloberst]]'' ([[colonel general]]) was created in order to promote Wilhelm, Crown Prince of Prussia (the later [[Wilhelm I, German Emperor]]) to senior rank without breaking the rule that only wartime field commanders could receive the rank of field marshal for a victory in a decisive battle or the capture of a fortification or major town. The equivalent of ''Generaloberst'' in the German Navy was ''Generaladmiral'' ([[general admiral]] or admiral-general).

In 1870, [[Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia (1828–1885)|Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia]] and [[Crown Prince]] [[Friedrich III, German Emperor|Friedrich Wilhelm]]—who had commanded armies during the [[Franco-Prussian War]]—became the first Prussian princes appointed to the rank of ''Generalfeldmarschall''.

The exalted nature of the rank was underscored during [[World War I]], when only five German officers (excluding honorary promotions to members of royal families and foreign officers) were designated ''Generalfeldmarschall'': [[Paul von Hindenburg]], [[August von Mackensen]], [[Karl von Bülow]], [[Hermann von Eichhorn]], and [[Remus von Woyrsch]]. Only a single naval officer, [[Henning von Holtzendorff]], was designated Grand Admiral. Not even such well-known German commanders as [[Erich Ludendorff]], [[Erich von Falkenhayn]], or [[Reinhard Scheer]] received marshal's batons or Grand Admiral rank.