German navy had its own tradition of assigning nicknames. One very tall commander was nicknamed Seestiefel, or sea boot. Another had a reputation for smelling bad and thus was nicknamed Hein Schniefelig, or stinky person. A third was said to be "very childish and good-natured" and was commonly called Das Kind, the child.
The German navy had a unique cultural practice of giving nicknames to its commanders, often reflecting their characteristics or behaviors. For instance, a notably tall commander earned the moniker Seestiefel, translating to "sea boot," which humorously highlighted his stature. Another commander was perceived as having an unpleasant odor, leading colleagues to call him Hein Schniefelig, meaning "stinky person." These nicknames served both as a form of camaraderie and a lighthearted way to address the attributes of the officers.
Additionally, one commander was noted for his playful and innocent demeanor, which prompted his fellow officers to affectionately refer to him as Das Kind, or "the child." This practice of using nicknames not only contributed to the internal culture of the navy but also illustrates the relationships and dynamics among the commanders, showcasing the blend of respect and jest within their ranks.
