Counter Admiral is an Anglification of a naval rank found in some European navies; for example, in the German Navy: Konteradmiral. In meaning it is the equivalent of the British and American rank of Rear Admiral, though it is no longer always the equivalent pay grade.
Traditionally, the commander of a fleet, the Admiral, usually stationed his flagship in the middle of formation, with his primary deputy, the Vice Admiral, in the vanguard and his second deputy, the Counter Admiral, in the rear, leading the reserve.
