Raeder entered naval service as a cadet in 1894 and advanced through the German rank structure before reaching the top post in 1928. That appointment put him at the head of the service, a role compared here with the First Sea Lord or a commander-in-chief. It did not yet give him the rank of Grand Admiral. He received that rank in April 1939, before the Second World War began. Taking command so early gave him unusual time to shape the navy before war.
Chapter · 1:55-4:01
Raeder's rise to command of the German Navy
Raeder's career progression shows how he reached the senior German naval post before the Second World War.