footnotes

1  Offizierstellvertreter:  This NCO in an officer's appointment served as a front-line officer during the war, usually in command of a company or platoon, then he reverted back to NCO status at war's end. Feeling pressure to fill gaps in the officer ranks with worthy NCOs, but determined to retain the high social status of the commissioned officer, the German Military Cabinet created this much resented rank in September of 1887.  It was mercifully abolished in September 1919.

2  Wachtmeister (Vizewachtmeister):  The same rank as Feldwebel (Vizefeldwebel) serving in cavalry, field  artillery or supply units.

3  Fähnrich:  The officer candidate wore the uniform of an Unteroffizier (corporal) but ranked senior to Vizefeldwebel upon passing candidate's exam.

4  Soldat:  The Soldat (private) was also referred to by several other names depending on the type of unit:

       infantry regiments:  Infanterist (infantryman), Jäger (chasseur, light infantryman),
                                   Gemeiner (foot soldier), Schütze (rifleman), Grenadier (grenadier),
                                    Füsilier (fusilier, rifleman), Musketier (rifleman, musketeer)

       cavalry regiments:   Kürassier (cuirassier), Dragoner (dragoon), Husar (hussar),
                                    Ulan (uhlan, lancer)

       artillery regiments:   Kanonier (gunner)
       air support:              Flieger (airman)