This is a swallow-3rd Reich flag. It is a short-lived command flag for the Chief of the General Staff of the Army (Generalgouvernator der Armee – GHQ). Heinz Guderian held this position until his dismissal 38 days before the end of the war in Europe. Heinz was a brilliant and courageous commander and was a very strong adversary for Adolf Hitler.

The ‘Militarbefehlshaber’ was another special position for a member of the Wehrmacht in occupied countries. The “Militarbefehlshaber” was not a military commander of troops but was responsible for the economy and government in an occupied country. In this case, the flag was similar to that used by a general of the Wehrmacht but with two important differences: In the center there was the national eagle of the occupied country and below the eagle was the word “Militarbefehlshaber” in white. This was the standard flag for a “Militarbefehlshaber” and it was flown along with the usual Wehrmacht ensign.

Revisiting the 3rd Reich Flag: Understanding Its Legacy and Cultural Impact

The NSDAP and the Nazi regime placed a lot of importance on pomp and ceremony and they produced a large number of decorative flags and banners for use on podiums, balconies and walls at their NSDAP party rallies and national ceremonies. This is a typical example of this type of flag and it was the personal flag of the leader of the NSDAP, Hitler, between 1935 and 1945. The left side of the flag displayed a centered, gold-colored swastika enclosed by a wreath of oak leaves and it was carried on an upright staff at NSDAP rallies and national ceremonies.