Anthony Charles
New member
Hi Folks,
I sold my order of battle library but for those of you who can't buy the original German works needed or just wand a handy reference. Here are some notes I made. I mainly used the Zeitschrift fuer Heereskunde and some 1950s Feldgrau with the Kling and von Stein articles. Hands Rudolph von Stein told me about 1988, if you want to under stand WWI German uniforms and insignia, you start with order of battle. Later other writers (Juergen Kraus etc) eclipsed my plan to do books on Feldgrau uniforms but anyhow..here are some notes some of you may find usedful. Particularly if you have militaria from Imperial German Army intry-type units that were mustered during the war. You can see how the great demand for manpower forced the Germans to create more and more new regiments and where in the timeline of mustering your unit fell. A lot of intellectual collectors really go deep into this. Me, being of rather limited intellect grappled with this as best I could!
German Infantry Order of Battle 1914-1918 Notes
Infantry Regiments, Bicycle and Machinegun Units, Jaeger Formations (including: Alpenkorps, Deutsche Jaeger Division, Division 200), Snow Shoe and Mountain Troops,
by
Tony Meldahl
Translations from German into English and Notes by A.C. Meldahl.
Sources:
Z: Zeitschrift fuer Heereskunde, 1929-1994
F: Feldgrau, 1956-1963
German Army Handbook 1918 (1918 British Army Publication)
INFANTRY
1914 (before the mobilization) 1918 (before the Spring Offensive)
8 Army Inspectional 25 Armed- u. Heeresgruppen Kdos
25 Gen Kdos (Corps) 70 Gen. Kdos (Corps)
50 Divisions 225 Divisions
1914 (after the mobilization) 1918 (before the Spring Offensive)
427 Rgts 698 Regiments (Z64-60)
187 E. u.planmaes.Bns (Z29-33)
Inf.Rgt (after the mobilization 1914) 1918 (at the beginning of the Spring Offensive)
218 I.R. (listed Z34-115-116) 220 I.R. (6.GIR and 7.GIR)
113 RIR (error?)(RIR Metz NA) 114 RIR
96 LIR (Z29-33) 106 LIR
11 EIR
247 REIR = (RER 183+ I/R/LIR)
= (bay. =25 IR) (Source: Z64-60)
427 total 698 total
Bavarian Infantry
August 1914 Mobilization:
Inf Leib Regt & bav IR 1-25
Bav RIR 1-8, 10-15 (Listed Z43-117)
Bav LIR 1-8, 10, 12, 14 (Ldw 13 immobil)
Bav BdeErsBns 1-12 ausser wurde Bav EIR 1-5, some were disbanded Sommer 1918
The two great new formations of Inf Rgts: Fall 1914 and Winter 1914/15: bav RIR 16-23
Sommer 1915: IR 24-25.
Bav IR 26,27, 28. (bav IR 30 consisted of Jaeger Bn, see Jaeger)
Early in 1917 15 Bav ID Bav IR 30-32 (Z29-44)
(1914) Infantry Rgts had three battalions and one MG Company. The Lehr Inf Rgt had 2 Bns and two MG companys. (Z29-33)
Active Army peace time units (Friedenstruppenteile):
1.-5. Garde Rgt zu Fuss
Garde Grenadier Rgt Nr 1-5
Garde Fuesilier Rgt
Lehr Infantry Regiment……………………………………………………..12
IR 1-182 (Grenadier, Fuesilier, Infantry Rgts)………………………….182
Bavarian Leib Inf Rgt, 1-23 Bav IR…………………………………………24
(Z64-61) 218
The Lehr Inf Battalion along with the Stammbatalion of the Inf. Schiessschule and the Potsdam NCO School formed the Infanterie Lehr Regiment. Uniform same as G.Fuess Rgt but red instead of yellow (strap piping and litzen flash) (Z29-33)
Das Lehr-Infanterie-Regiment was formed from Lehr-Infanterie-Bataillon, Unteroffz.-Schule Potsdam, Stammbataillon der Inf-Schiessschule and the Gewehrprueffungs-Kommission. Das LIR two machinegun companies: one from the Lehr Inf Bn and the other from the Lehr MG K. (Z34-114)
Reserve Infantry Regiments 1914 Mobilization (F29-33)
Garde 1, 2, Line 1-3,5-13, 15-32, 34-40, 46, 48-49, 51-53, 55-57, 59-61, 64-69, 70-84, 86-88, 90-94, 98-104, 106-107, 109-111, 116, 118, 199-122, 130, 133 = 100 RIR (includes2GRR)
Landwehr Infantry Regiments 1914 Mobilization (F29-33)
(No GLIR) Line 1-13 (no 2 FG56), 15-40, 46-49, 51-53, 55-57, 60-61, 65, 66, 68, 71-78, 80-85 (86 F56), 87 , 93 (Sept 14 aus ueberplannmaessig Ldwr Bns)(94 FG56) , 99, 100-102, (103 FG56) 104 , (105 FG56) 106 (corr), (107 FG 56) 109, 110, (111 FG56) 116, 118, 119- 126 (FG56), 133, 153 (FG56) = 87 LIR (corrected to 97 F56-6)
Reserve/Landwehr Infantry Regiments: The non Prussian RIR and LIR have the same number as their corresponding active regiment, so 104 is always Saxon, 120 is always Wuertttemberg. RIR have 3 Bns (except RIR 99=4 bns) and most have a MG company. LIR mostly have 3 Bn but some have 2 or 4. LIR have no MG Co s.(Z29-34)
There are only two Garde Reserve IR because Garde units reservists are spread throughout the German empire. The distances involved in transporting Garde reservists to the parent Garde unit a problem because they would tie up so many rail assets during mobilization. (Z29-34)
There are no RIR/LIR numbers over 130. (Z29-34)
With a few exceptions in most cases RIR and LIR up through 133 were manned and activated during the August 1914 mobilization (F56-5). Regimental numbers above 153 are not repeated and RIR and LIR fall into this sequence. Bavarian regiments have their own numerical sequence. Saxon, Wuerttemberg, Baden and Hessian regiments with numbers up to 133 always maintain the same numbers for IR. RIR and LIR, so 102 is always Saxon and 120 is always Wuerttemberg.
The many gaps in RIR and LIR numbers can be attributed in many cases to Army Corps districts in thinly populated border provinces (especially in Polish regions: I, XX, XVII, II, V, VI) . In many cases line active regiments release active officer/NCO personnel to hold leadership positions in RIR and LIR with the same number, but not in all cases. (Z29-34)
RIR 64 and RIR 93 (were staffed with officers/NCOs from the 2nd and 3rd Garde Regiment zu Fuss) and the 1st. and 2nd Garde Reserve Rgts (which were formed by the 3rd Garde Rgt zu Fuss) were combined to form the 1st Garde Res. Div. (Z29-34).
The Garde Grenadier Rgts provided officer/NCO personnel (aktiven Chargen=EM too?) to RIR 15, 55, 77, 91 and these four RIR in turn formed the 2.G.Res.Div. (Z29-34).
II Bn RIR 88 was Hessian. (What were Staff, I,III RIR 88?) (Z29-34)
LIR 82 formed and filled with personnel from Gotha and Weimar (two different contingents?) (Z29-34)
Saxon RIR & LIR 100 are called Grenadier Reserve Regt and Grenadier Landwehr Regiment, respectively, and like RIR 109, wear litzen. (Z29-34)
The brigade ersatz battalions (BdeErsBn) formed during the Mobilization of 1914.
In addition to the RIR and LIR, brigade ersatz battalions were also mobilized in August 1914. 2 companies of a active regiments ersatz battalion combined with two companies of a Bde Ers Bn to form mobile and independent battalions which were further combined to form Ersatz Brigades and Ersatz Divisions. Some of these battalions had MG Zuege (sections, platoons?). In the eastern border corps districts bordering Russia where most of the infantry regiment’s ersatz battalions were mustered as independent mobile battalions no brigade ersatz battalions were formed. (Z29-34)
In the end of 1914 these independent battalions were combined to form ersatz regiments and were named 1st and 2nd Garde Ersatz Regiments (GER) and Ersatz Regiments 1-52 (with many gaps in the numbers between 1-52). In 1915 a number of these regiments were given numbers as IR/RIR and LIR. The following Ersatz Regiments retained their first name: Ersatz Regiment 23,24, 28, 29, 32, 40 and wuert. ER 51 and 52. The 1st and 2nd Garde ER became 6th and 7th Garde Regiments. The rest of the ER received the numbers 357-365, 368-371. ER 51 and 52 became IR 478 and 479. (Z29-34)
The RIR and LIR Ersatz Bbns became Res Bde and Landwehr Bde Ersatz Bns and these became Reserve Ersatz Regt (RER) 1-4 and Landwehr Ersatz Regiments (LER) 1-5.
The RER kept their names up to their being disbanded in the summer of 1918. The LER became LIR 382, 153, 94, 349, 350. (Z29-34)
The numerical superiority of the Russian forces forced the German Army to mobilize all the troops assigned to the fortresses in the eastern corps districts. Many still clothed in the old blue uniforms with obsolete weapons and equipment.These elements of the main reserve Koenigsberg, the Corps P, the Corps Zastrow fought shoulder to shoulder with the other troops. The individual units were formed into regiments which were usually named after the fortress or their leader. . Thus was the origins of Ersatz Regiments Koenigsberg I- III, the Posen (Besatzungsregimenter) Occupation Regiments 1 and 2 of Douffin Brigade and the following brigades: Ruediger, Hoebel, Gropp, Leimbach-Zerener, von Kurnatowski and many others. In 1915 also these regiments were renamed 329-354 and 372-381, various numbers are skipped. (Z29-34)
As an example of how mixed up and varied these regiments were, the following will illustrate:
IR 330 = Nr 1 Brigade Doussin, 2.LS Inf Bn Muenster, Ersatz Co s fm Gren 6 and 7, Fuess 37, and IR 58., LS Bn Brieg.
IR 345, previously IR Leimbach-Zerener: I.Ers Bn RIR 37, I.ErsBn LIR 46, ErsBn RIR 104.
These hodge podge regiments of mostly the oldest men in the reserve system played a critical roll in halting the advance of the powerful Russian forces into the eastern German provinces. (Z29-34)
The Fall 1914 1.grossen Neuformationen der Infanterie. These units experienced problems because they did not receive active duty officers called in from the front nor recuperated officers and NCOs/men from convalescent units. Two brigades with four Regiments per Division.
43/44. RD: RIR 201,202, 203, 204 and R.Jaeger Bn 15/ RIR205-8 a. R.Jaeger Bn 16
45/46 RD: RIR 209-216 and R.Jaeger Bn 17/18
47/48 RD: RIR 217-224 Jaeger Bns 19/20
49/50 RD: RIR 225-232 R.Jaeger Bns 21/22
51/52 RD: RIR 233-240 and Res Jaeg Bns 23/24
53/54 RD: RIR 241-248 Res.Jaeger Bns 25/26 (Z29-35)
The Winter 1914/1915 2. grosse Neuformationen der Infanterie avoided the problems of the previous established new regiments by providing these new units with an adequate number of experienced officers and men called back from the front and the recuperated from convalescent companies in regimental ersatz battalions in Germany. These veterans provided combat leadership experience needed for this great second wave of newly formed regiments. These divisions received three regiments.
75 RD/76 RD: RIR 249-251 / RIR 252-254
77 RD/78 RD: RIR 255-257 / RIR 258-260
79 RD/80 RD: RIR 261-263 / RIR 264-266
81 RD/82 RD: RIR 267-269 / RIR 270-272
Summer 1915 (since mid July) Neuformationen.
Newly formed regiments made from combining excess soldiers and entire companies pulled from regiments already on the front.
IR 183-190, 192, 193. (Z29-35)
1916 and 1917 Neuformationen
LIR 105 (corr)RIR 273 (corr),LIR 327-328 (corr), LIR 383-387, IR 388-400, IR 401-428, LIR 429-30, IR 431-434, LIR 435-36, IR 437-39, RIR 440-441, IR 442-477.
(Z29-35) (corr: Z30-93)
Mai 1917 die letzte Neuformationen (grossen Stils)
231-240 ID: IR 442-471 (Z29-35)
(Feldgrau 1956-6):
I. Peacetime:
1-5 GRzF, GGR, GFR 11
LIR 1
Gr, Fues,Ir 1-182 182
Bav ILR, 1-23 24
Total 218
II. New formations
A.Garde
Upon mobilization; 1. and 2. G Res Rgt 2
Redesignated 1915 6th and 7th Garde Rgt 2 (formerly 1st and 2nd Garde Ersatz Regts)
B. Line
RIR during the Mobilization 98
LIR “ “ 97
ErsRgt 1915 6
ResErsRgtr Sep 1914 4
Active, Res and Ldwr
Spring 15 from rgts in field 10 (IR)
Fall 1914 RIR 201-48 Heimat 48
Winter 14/15 Heimat 24 RIR 249-272, 241-45, 246-48
1916 in the field 3 RIR 273 LIR 327-328
1915 im Feld/or already formed 45 (FROM Res Bde/Lwr Bde Ers Bn, Ers Bn and
Ldstm Bn)
IR 329-33, 341-47, LIR 349-54, 357-65, 368-78,
LIR 379, IR 380-81, LIR 382
1916 New formations/field LIR 383-388, IR 389-99
1916 ditto Heimat/field IR 400-28, LIR 4290-30, IR 431-434, LIR 435-36
IR 437-39, RIR 440-41, IR 442-44, IR 477
Total 63
1917 formed in Heimat 32 IR 445-476
1917 renamed 2 IR 478-79 (wuert EIR 51-2)
(Rgts above 182)
Saxon IR = 183, 192, 391, 392, 415, 416, 431, 472, 473, 474
Saxon RIR = 241-45
Saxon LIR = 350, 351
Wuerttemberg = 413, 414, 475, 476, 478, 479) ????? Do all of these use Swedish cuffs?
Wuert RIR = 246-248 (Swedish cuffs ?????) (F56-6/7)
By 1917 the problem of finding sufficient replacements for combat losses became a serious problem. In the course of this year the differences between replacements sent to active, reserve and landwehr regiments disappeared (replacements more and more often consisted of old men and teenagers). (Z29-44).
JAEGER Troops
Premobilization Active Jaeger Battalions:
GJB, GSB, JB 1-14, Bav JB 1, 2.
Reserve JB mobilized August 1914:
GRJB, GRSB, RJB 1-14, Bav RJB 1, 2. (Listed Z43-117) (rjb 12/13 Saxon.. F56-34)
Fall 1914 Neuaufstellung:
RJB 15-26 (in RD 43-54) (25/26 JB Saxon F56-34)
1916
JB 27 was formed from Finnlander in Lockstedt Encampment, they served on the Riga Front. This Bn was disbanded in early (Feb Z56) 1918 and it became the nucleus of the Finnish Army. (Z29-44)
(Ers Abt J2 and 1 ins Ers Rgt Gropp, renamed IR 344, and Ers Rgt Koenigsberg II renamed IR 376) (F56-34)
1915-1917: Most JB were united to form Jaeger Rgts (Z29). By spring 18 most JB formed into Regiments (F56-35)
May 1915: (Bay) JR 1: Bav JB 1, Bav JB 2 and bav RJB 2
JR 2: JB 10, RJB 10 & RJB 14.
JR 3: 4 Schneeschuh Bn,
July 1916: JR 4 (JB 11, RJB 5, RJB 6)
JR 5 (RJB 17, RJB 18, RJB 23
Aug 1916: JR 6: (JB 5, JB 6, JB 14)
Saxon JR 7 (JB13, RJB 25, RJB 26)
JR 8 (RJB 4, RJB 25, RJB 26 ????????????????????????(F56-35)
Sept 1916: JR 9: (JB 8, RJB 12)
Oct 1916: Saxon JR 10 (JB 12, “s.R.????, JB 13 (56-35)
Jan 1917: Bav 29th Inf (Jaeger) Rgt (bav RJB 1, RJB 7, RJB 8)
Mai 1918: JR 11: (St.Drag 4, GRJ, GRS)
JR 12 (St.Ul 2, JB 2, JB 7, RJB 1)
JR 13: (st.Chev.8, RJB 8, RJB 20, RJB 21)
JR 14: (St.RIR 233, RJB 15, RJB 19, RJB 22)
July 1916 Bav RJR 15: (Bav RJB 1 (see JR 29) and a Kaukasischen Bahnschutz Bn of
freed POWs. Designation: JR 15, Oct 1918 called the Kaukasisches JR 1)
Not in a regiment: GJB, GSB, JB3 (Sturm Btn 3) RJB 11 with the Ostsee Div (for Finland) JB 4, RJB 3 and the freed from a Rgt JB14, Every Bn had 2 MG Co s, 1 MW Co. Active Bns had 2 Radfahrer Co and most of these were separated from JB.
Corresponding to their character as an elite formation most of the Jager Rgt were formed into Divisions that fought in mountainous areas: (F56-35)
Dt Jaeger D: JRs 11-12-13
200 ID: JR 3-4-5
Alpenkorps: JB2, JB 1, Bay LIR
Among the 16 JR there was one unique unit: Bav Inf (Jaeger) Regt 29; Bav JB1, RJB 7, RJB 9. (Z29-44)
Corresponding to the unique nature of Jaeger battalions they were often given special assignments, mostly for mountain warfare, and for this purpose an number of Divisions were formed mostly with JR
eutsche Jaeger Division, 200 ID, Alpenkorps, 195 JD
(Z 29-44)
JB 3 became a Sturmbataillon 3
These units remained independent Bns: GJB, GSB, JB 9
Part of the Ostsee Div in Finnland: JB 4, JB 14, RJB 3
RJB 11 was in Palastine (Z29-44)
Landsturm Infantry (Z30-93)
Rgtr 329-382: contained many Landsturm Inf Bn
LstmInf Rgt: most on Russian front
Landsturn Inf Rgt Loerrach, 3, 7-10, 11, 13, 17, 19-20, 22-27, 31-48, 50, 115
Ldstm Inf Rgt 109 renamed Landwehr Inf Regt 11
Bav LstmInf Rgtr 1-3
The border guard (Holland and Denmark) regiments: 601-628, some of these were Ldstm Rgts.
VII Army Corps formed two Landstm Jaeger Co s.
Jaeger Bn 31 became part of IR 613, then after the IR disbanded JB was indep a while
(Z30-93)
Mobile Landsturm Infantry Regiments:
LstIR 3,7-11, 13 (wuert), 17, 19 (Saxon) 23, 25, 26, 31-36, 38-40, 45-48, 115 (39 Wuert), Bav LstmIR 2, total 27. Mobile Lst Bn: 347
Schneeschuh and Gebirgstruppen (Z30-93)
Bavarian and Wuerttemberg formed their first Schneeschuheinheiten in the Winter of 1914. By Spring four bav Schneeschuh Battalions (? 2 Bav and 2 Prus??) and one Wuerttemberg SS Co. The four (Bav ?) SS battalions became Jaeger Rgt 3. The Wuert Co became a Gebirgskompagnie, and in the Fall 1915 a Gebirgsbattalion, and in early 1918 a Gebirgsregiment. (Z30-93)
Radfahrer (Z30-94)
At the outbreak of the war, the Jaeger battalions each had one Radfahrer Company. The limited firepower of the cavalry divisions was augmented by their Jaeger Bn. In the Fall of 1914 most Jaeger Bn received a second Radfahrer Company. Also in units which had limited cavalry units numerous Radfahrer Companies. The total number of organic Radfahrer companies:
37 Jaeger Radfahrer Companies
45 other Radfahrer Companies
Some of these Radfahrer companies were then consolidated into Radfahrer Bn 1-7. For a while some of these bns were in a Radfahrer Brigade. They were mainly used on the eastern front, Oesel and Finnland. And Livland. Example: Radfahrer Bn 1: 2nd Radfahrer Company GJB, 2nd Radfahrer Company GSB, 2nd Radfahrer Company JB 6 and 2nd Radfahrer Compaay JB 10. (Z30-94)
Machinegun Units (Z30-94)
At the outbreak of the war there were:
218 MG companies with the 218 active infantry regiments.
18 MG companies with the 18 Jaeger Bn
88 MG companies with the RIR (Z30-94) (Corr: 113 RIR had 84 MG Co F56-37)
The 13 peacetime Fortress MG Abteilungen provided the framework for the formation of a great number of Fortress MG Troops (Trupps) , which were assigned to regiments assigned to man the fortresses and these regiments soon were mobilized an took to the field. Along with their Fortress MG Truppen.The new RIR 201-272 received upon their formation MG Zuege. It soon became a high priority to equip regiments without MG companies with MGs. In addition to these Feld MG Zuege were formed which were assigned to regiments to cover their demand, also 200 MG Scharfschuetzentrupps.
In the summer of 1916 a major reorganization occurred. A MG company was to be assigned to each infantry battalion regardless whether active, reserve, landwehr or Landsturm and independent battalions (Jaeger) two MG companies. MG Scharfschuetzentrupps were combined to form MG SS Abteilungen, a kind of MG Battalion with 3 MG companies of which there were 83 including 4 Bavarian. The MG SS Abtg were Army level assets and by the first offensive of 1918 a number of Divisons received a MG SS Abtg as a division level asset. (Z30-94)
The mountain warfare in the Alps, Carpathian Mountains (Rumania), the Vosgesen and Macedonia lead to the formation of Gebirgs MG formations. 43 Gebirgs MG Abteilungen having the strength of a company were formed with the 201 to 255 and 18 of them later became a sort of MG Battalions in the Gebirgs MG Abt 260-265 in October 1918. (Z30-95)
1914 two Musketen Bn formed using Danish Madsen rifle: Musketen Bn 1 and 2. (Z30-95) . Russian Cavalry used Madsen rifle (light MG), other nations used it including Denmark, Norway, Holland, Spain, China. 25 round magazine. In 1915 the Ministry of War had a number of Madsen rifles complete with necessary equipment for both infantry and cavalry. The Madsen rifle was called a Muskete. There were five units armed with the Madsen rifle, two infantry and three cavalry. On Aug 10, 1915 the Prussian Ministry of War ordered the formation of two Infantry Musketen Battalion. Musketen Battalion 1 had 3 companies (Co 15-16-17 Inf Leibregiment 117) and was assigned to Armee Abteilung Gaade. Musketen-Battalion 2.had 2 companies (CO 18 and 19 Inf Leibregiment 117) and assigned to Armee Abteilung Falkenhausen. The mission of these units were to provide additional defensive firepower in sectors where the enemy attack was threatening to break through. The (Hessian) XVIII AK was tasked with forming the two Musketen Battalions with personnel from five different AK. On September 18, 1915 the Prussian Ministry of War decreed that the ersatz unit for the two Musketen Battalions would be I. Ersatz Battalion of Infantry Regiment 117 (Hessian Infanterie- Leibregiment Grossherzogin 117) in Mainz. The uniform would be that of Infantereie Leibregiment 117. And on November 6, 1915 another KM decree stated that in the Essatz battalion a Ersatz Musketen Kompanie would be formed. No spare parts were available for the guns and by October 1916 spare weapons ran out and could not be replaced. On Dec 4, 1916 the Prussian KM decree that the Musketen battalion change over to captured Lewis MGs until enough MG 08/15 were available. On Feb 24, 1917 Musketen Battalion 2 was ordered to turn in their Madsen rifles to Musketen battalion 1 and change over to Lewis Guns. On August 8, 1917 Musketen Battalion 1 was ordered to change over to Lewis MG. On April 22, 1918 the Prussian Minitry of War decreed that Musketen Battalions 1 and 2 be retrained and converted into MG SS Abteilung with MG 08. Both units retained their original names as Musketen Battaion 1 and 2. These units Ersatz unit changed from I Ersatz Battalion I L Rgt 117 to MG Ersatz Company of IR 117. (Z32-355-361)
Musketen Bataillone 1 and 2: For a short time also designated as IV. And V /IR 117. Became a MG SS Abt since replacement weapons/parts were not available for these Danish Madsen rifles. (F 56-37)
MG Verbaende: (F56-36)
Spring 1918: Eacmobile regiment (including Landsturm IR) had 3 MG Co s, RIR had four (after IV Bn disbanded..kept its KM Co). Jaeger Bn had two MG Co s.
MG Abteilungen (Peacetime units remaining) Garde MG Abt, MG Abtlg 2 and 3, Bav MG Abtlg 1 (company size).
Res.MG ABtlg 1, 2, and 4.
MGSS Abtlg (with 3 Co s) 1-79, Bav MG Abtlg. 1-4
Gebirgs MG Abtlg (3 Co s) 260-265
30 Gebrifs MG Abtlg (1 Co) 201-251, Wuert.Gebirgs MG Abtlg 1-3, Bav Gebirgs MG Abtlg 1 and 2
Each active IR ande JB deployed with a MG Co (Bav JB 1 and 2: no MG Co).
Das Lehr IR with 2 MG Co (1 fm LIB, one fm Lehr MG Co)
113 RIR had 84 (not 88) MG Co and 4 had two.
Along with the Bde Ers Bn deployed 43 Ers.MG Zuege.
LIR had no MG Co s.
There were 11 MG Abteilungen meant for the Cavalry Divisions (G1, G2, 1-8, Bav 1)
The peacetime Fortress MG Abt (1 Co) provided the framework for the MG Abtlg and Trupps that were formed and deployed in the first days of the mobilization, and the majority of these went to regiments without MG Cos, especially to LIR in the eastern border provinces.
The demand from the front for more MG became more and more urgent. The Ministry of War created single MG companies for divisions and Feld MG Co and Feld MG Ergaenzungszuege and leichte MG Trupps which were assigned to regiments. This hodge podge of MG units came to an end in the Fall of 1916. These MG units were absorbed into the formation of 2nd and 3rd MG companies for infantry regiments. Of the peacetime MG Abteilungen only four mentioned before remained the rest becasme MG Co or Ergaenzungszuege. The April 1916 formed MG SS Trupps were combined into MG SS ABtlg. (F56-36)
MG Abteilungen in WWI (F63-147/8)
G MGAtg 1 (GKD, GKSchzD)
G MGAbtg 2 (5&9 KD Oct 17 split up to form cav MG Esk)
MG Abtlg 1-8 (all with Cav units, 4,6,7 split up became MG Esk
MG Abtlg 9 (formed 1914, 6 KD, disbanded and absorbed into cav MG Esk
MG Abtlg 10 (formed 1915, KD Nord, disnaded absorbed into cav MG Esk)
1.Bay MG Abtlg (Bayer KD)
Res MG Abtlg 1-5: formed during mobilization, Res MG Abtlg 1-3 with KD)
Res MG ABtlg 1 KD
Res MG Abtlg 2 GKD, KM 23.9.18 aufgeloest
Res. MG Abtlg 3 (GKD Ende 1917 disbanded and became Cav MG Esk
Res MG Abtlg 4 (35 RD, 200 ID, ALpenkorps, Arm Abt A, 301 ID
Res MG Abtlg 5 (F says “3”)(Hauptreserve Posen, LD Bredow(18.) became MG Co LIR 72 (F63-147/8)
I sold my order of battle library but for those of you who can't buy the original German works needed or just wand a handy reference. Here are some notes I made. I mainly used the Zeitschrift fuer Heereskunde and some 1950s Feldgrau with the Kling and von Stein articles. Hands Rudolph von Stein told me about 1988, if you want to under stand WWI German uniforms and insignia, you start with order of battle. Later other writers (Juergen Kraus etc) eclipsed my plan to do books on Feldgrau uniforms but anyhow..here are some notes some of you may find usedful. Particularly if you have militaria from Imperial German Army intry-type units that were mustered during the war. You can see how the great demand for manpower forced the Germans to create more and more new regiments and where in the timeline of mustering your unit fell. A lot of intellectual collectors really go deep into this. Me, being of rather limited intellect grappled with this as best I could!
German Infantry Order of Battle 1914-1918 Notes
Infantry Regiments, Bicycle and Machinegun Units, Jaeger Formations (including: Alpenkorps, Deutsche Jaeger Division, Division 200), Snow Shoe and Mountain Troops,
by
Tony Meldahl
Translations from German into English and Notes by A.C. Meldahl.
Sources:
Z: Zeitschrift fuer Heereskunde, 1929-1994
F: Feldgrau, 1956-1963
German Army Handbook 1918 (1918 British Army Publication)
INFANTRY
1914 (before the mobilization) 1918 (before the Spring Offensive)
8 Army Inspectional 25 Armed- u. Heeresgruppen Kdos
25 Gen Kdos (Corps) 70 Gen. Kdos (Corps)
50 Divisions 225 Divisions
1914 (after the mobilization) 1918 (before the Spring Offensive)
427 Rgts 698 Regiments (Z64-60)
187 E. u.planmaes.Bns (Z29-33)
Inf.Rgt (after the mobilization 1914) 1918 (at the beginning of the Spring Offensive)
218 I.R. (listed Z34-115-116) 220 I.R. (6.GIR and 7.GIR)
113 RIR (error?)(RIR Metz NA) 114 RIR
96 LIR (Z29-33) 106 LIR
11 EIR
247 REIR = (RER 183+ I/R/LIR)
= (bay. =25 IR) (Source: Z64-60)
427 total 698 total
Bavarian Infantry
August 1914 Mobilization:
Inf Leib Regt & bav IR 1-25
Bav RIR 1-8, 10-15 (Listed Z43-117)
Bav LIR 1-8, 10, 12, 14 (Ldw 13 immobil)
Bav BdeErsBns 1-12 ausser wurde Bav EIR 1-5, some were disbanded Sommer 1918
The two great new formations of Inf Rgts: Fall 1914 and Winter 1914/15: bav RIR 16-23
Sommer 1915: IR 24-25.
Bav IR 26,27, 28. (bav IR 30 consisted of Jaeger Bn, see Jaeger)
Early in 1917 15 Bav ID Bav IR 30-32 (Z29-44)
(1914) Infantry Rgts had three battalions and one MG Company. The Lehr Inf Rgt had 2 Bns and two MG companys. (Z29-33)
Active Army peace time units (Friedenstruppenteile):
1.-5. Garde Rgt zu Fuss
Garde Grenadier Rgt Nr 1-5
Garde Fuesilier Rgt
Lehr Infantry Regiment……………………………………………………..12
IR 1-182 (Grenadier, Fuesilier, Infantry Rgts)………………………….182
Bavarian Leib Inf Rgt, 1-23 Bav IR…………………………………………24
(Z64-61) 218
The Lehr Inf Battalion along with the Stammbatalion of the Inf. Schiessschule and the Potsdam NCO School formed the Infanterie Lehr Regiment. Uniform same as G.Fuess Rgt but red instead of yellow (strap piping and litzen flash) (Z29-33)
Das Lehr-Infanterie-Regiment was formed from Lehr-Infanterie-Bataillon, Unteroffz.-Schule Potsdam, Stammbataillon der Inf-Schiessschule and the Gewehrprueffungs-Kommission. Das LIR two machinegun companies: one from the Lehr Inf Bn and the other from the Lehr MG K. (Z34-114)
Reserve Infantry Regiments 1914 Mobilization (F29-33)
Garde 1, 2, Line 1-3,5-13, 15-32, 34-40, 46, 48-49, 51-53, 55-57, 59-61, 64-69, 70-84, 86-88, 90-94, 98-104, 106-107, 109-111, 116, 118, 199-122, 130, 133 = 100 RIR (includes2GRR)
Landwehr Infantry Regiments 1914 Mobilization (F29-33)
(No GLIR) Line 1-13 (no 2 FG56), 15-40, 46-49, 51-53, 55-57, 60-61, 65, 66, 68, 71-78, 80-85 (86 F56), 87 , 93 (Sept 14 aus ueberplannmaessig Ldwr Bns)(94 FG56) , 99, 100-102, (103 FG56) 104 , (105 FG56) 106 (corr), (107 FG 56) 109, 110, (111 FG56) 116, 118, 119- 126 (FG56), 133, 153 (FG56) = 87 LIR (corrected to 97 F56-6)
Reserve/Landwehr Infantry Regiments: The non Prussian RIR and LIR have the same number as their corresponding active regiment, so 104 is always Saxon, 120 is always Wuertttemberg. RIR have 3 Bns (except RIR 99=4 bns) and most have a MG company. LIR mostly have 3 Bn but some have 2 or 4. LIR have no MG Co s.(Z29-34)
There are only two Garde Reserve IR because Garde units reservists are spread throughout the German empire. The distances involved in transporting Garde reservists to the parent Garde unit a problem because they would tie up so many rail assets during mobilization. (Z29-34)
There are no RIR/LIR numbers over 130. (Z29-34)
With a few exceptions in most cases RIR and LIR up through 133 were manned and activated during the August 1914 mobilization (F56-5). Regimental numbers above 153 are not repeated and RIR and LIR fall into this sequence. Bavarian regiments have their own numerical sequence. Saxon, Wuerttemberg, Baden and Hessian regiments with numbers up to 133 always maintain the same numbers for IR. RIR and LIR, so 102 is always Saxon and 120 is always Wuerttemberg.
The many gaps in RIR and LIR numbers can be attributed in many cases to Army Corps districts in thinly populated border provinces (especially in Polish regions: I, XX, XVII, II, V, VI) . In many cases line active regiments release active officer/NCO personnel to hold leadership positions in RIR and LIR with the same number, but not in all cases. (Z29-34)
RIR 64 and RIR 93 (were staffed with officers/NCOs from the 2nd and 3rd Garde Regiment zu Fuss) and the 1st. and 2nd Garde Reserve Rgts (which were formed by the 3rd Garde Rgt zu Fuss) were combined to form the 1st Garde Res. Div. (Z29-34).
The Garde Grenadier Rgts provided officer/NCO personnel (aktiven Chargen=EM too?) to RIR 15, 55, 77, 91 and these four RIR in turn formed the 2.G.Res.Div. (Z29-34).
II Bn RIR 88 was Hessian. (What were Staff, I,III RIR 88?) (Z29-34)
LIR 82 formed and filled with personnel from Gotha and Weimar (two different contingents?) (Z29-34)
Saxon RIR & LIR 100 are called Grenadier Reserve Regt and Grenadier Landwehr Regiment, respectively, and like RIR 109, wear litzen. (Z29-34)
The brigade ersatz battalions (BdeErsBn) formed during the Mobilization of 1914.
In addition to the RIR and LIR, brigade ersatz battalions were also mobilized in August 1914. 2 companies of a active regiments ersatz battalion combined with two companies of a Bde Ers Bn to form mobile and independent battalions which were further combined to form Ersatz Brigades and Ersatz Divisions. Some of these battalions had MG Zuege (sections, platoons?). In the eastern border corps districts bordering Russia where most of the infantry regiment’s ersatz battalions were mustered as independent mobile battalions no brigade ersatz battalions were formed. (Z29-34)
In the end of 1914 these independent battalions were combined to form ersatz regiments and were named 1st and 2nd Garde Ersatz Regiments (GER) and Ersatz Regiments 1-52 (with many gaps in the numbers between 1-52). In 1915 a number of these regiments were given numbers as IR/RIR and LIR. The following Ersatz Regiments retained their first name: Ersatz Regiment 23,24, 28, 29, 32, 40 and wuert. ER 51 and 52. The 1st and 2nd Garde ER became 6th and 7th Garde Regiments. The rest of the ER received the numbers 357-365, 368-371. ER 51 and 52 became IR 478 and 479. (Z29-34)
The RIR and LIR Ersatz Bbns became Res Bde and Landwehr Bde Ersatz Bns and these became Reserve Ersatz Regt (RER) 1-4 and Landwehr Ersatz Regiments (LER) 1-5.
The RER kept their names up to their being disbanded in the summer of 1918. The LER became LIR 382, 153, 94, 349, 350. (Z29-34)
The numerical superiority of the Russian forces forced the German Army to mobilize all the troops assigned to the fortresses in the eastern corps districts. Many still clothed in the old blue uniforms with obsolete weapons and equipment.These elements of the main reserve Koenigsberg, the Corps P, the Corps Zastrow fought shoulder to shoulder with the other troops. The individual units were formed into regiments which were usually named after the fortress or their leader. . Thus was the origins of Ersatz Regiments Koenigsberg I- III, the Posen (Besatzungsregimenter) Occupation Regiments 1 and 2 of Douffin Brigade and the following brigades: Ruediger, Hoebel, Gropp, Leimbach-Zerener, von Kurnatowski and many others. In 1915 also these regiments were renamed 329-354 and 372-381, various numbers are skipped. (Z29-34)
As an example of how mixed up and varied these regiments were, the following will illustrate:
IR 330 = Nr 1 Brigade Doussin, 2.LS Inf Bn Muenster, Ersatz Co s fm Gren 6 and 7, Fuess 37, and IR 58., LS Bn Brieg.
IR 345, previously IR Leimbach-Zerener: I.Ers Bn RIR 37, I.ErsBn LIR 46, ErsBn RIR 104.
These hodge podge regiments of mostly the oldest men in the reserve system played a critical roll in halting the advance of the powerful Russian forces into the eastern German provinces. (Z29-34)
The Fall 1914 1.grossen Neuformationen der Infanterie. These units experienced problems because they did not receive active duty officers called in from the front nor recuperated officers and NCOs/men from convalescent units. Two brigades with four Regiments per Division.
43/44. RD: RIR 201,202, 203, 204 and R.Jaeger Bn 15/ RIR205-8 a. R.Jaeger Bn 16
45/46 RD: RIR 209-216 and R.Jaeger Bn 17/18
47/48 RD: RIR 217-224 Jaeger Bns 19/20
49/50 RD: RIR 225-232 R.Jaeger Bns 21/22
51/52 RD: RIR 233-240 and Res Jaeg Bns 23/24
53/54 RD: RIR 241-248 Res.Jaeger Bns 25/26 (Z29-35)
The Winter 1914/1915 2. grosse Neuformationen der Infanterie avoided the problems of the previous established new regiments by providing these new units with an adequate number of experienced officers and men called back from the front and the recuperated from convalescent companies in regimental ersatz battalions in Germany. These veterans provided combat leadership experience needed for this great second wave of newly formed regiments. These divisions received three regiments.
75 RD/76 RD: RIR 249-251 / RIR 252-254
77 RD/78 RD: RIR 255-257 / RIR 258-260
79 RD/80 RD: RIR 261-263 / RIR 264-266
81 RD/82 RD: RIR 267-269 / RIR 270-272
Summer 1915 (since mid July) Neuformationen.
Newly formed regiments made from combining excess soldiers and entire companies pulled from regiments already on the front.
IR 183-190, 192, 193. (Z29-35)
1916 and 1917 Neuformationen
LIR 105 (corr)RIR 273 (corr),LIR 327-328 (corr), LIR 383-387, IR 388-400, IR 401-428, LIR 429-30, IR 431-434, LIR 435-36, IR 437-39, RIR 440-441, IR 442-477.
(Z29-35) (corr: Z30-93)
Mai 1917 die letzte Neuformationen (grossen Stils)
231-240 ID: IR 442-471 (Z29-35)
(Feldgrau 1956-6):
I. Peacetime:
1-5 GRzF, GGR, GFR 11
LIR 1
Gr, Fues,Ir 1-182 182
Bav ILR, 1-23 24
Total 218
II. New formations
A.Garde
Upon mobilization; 1. and 2. G Res Rgt 2
Redesignated 1915 6th and 7th Garde Rgt 2 (formerly 1st and 2nd Garde Ersatz Regts)
B. Line
RIR during the Mobilization 98
LIR “ “ 97
ErsRgt 1915 6
ResErsRgtr Sep 1914 4
Active, Res and Ldwr
Spring 15 from rgts in field 10 (IR)
Fall 1914 RIR 201-48 Heimat 48
Winter 14/15 Heimat 24 RIR 249-272, 241-45, 246-48
1916 in the field 3 RIR 273 LIR 327-328
1915 im Feld/or already formed 45 (FROM Res Bde/Lwr Bde Ers Bn, Ers Bn and
Ldstm Bn)
IR 329-33, 341-47, LIR 349-54, 357-65, 368-78,
LIR 379, IR 380-81, LIR 382
1916 New formations/field LIR 383-388, IR 389-99
1916 ditto Heimat/field IR 400-28, LIR 4290-30, IR 431-434, LIR 435-36
IR 437-39, RIR 440-41, IR 442-44, IR 477
Total 63
1917 formed in Heimat 32 IR 445-476
1917 renamed 2 IR 478-79 (wuert EIR 51-2)
(Rgts above 182)
Saxon IR = 183, 192, 391, 392, 415, 416, 431, 472, 473, 474
Saxon RIR = 241-45
Saxon LIR = 350, 351
Wuerttemberg = 413, 414, 475, 476, 478, 479) ????? Do all of these use Swedish cuffs?
Wuert RIR = 246-248 (Swedish cuffs ?????) (F56-6/7)
By 1917 the problem of finding sufficient replacements for combat losses became a serious problem. In the course of this year the differences between replacements sent to active, reserve and landwehr regiments disappeared (replacements more and more often consisted of old men and teenagers). (Z29-44).
JAEGER Troops
Premobilization Active Jaeger Battalions:
GJB, GSB, JB 1-14, Bav JB 1, 2.
Reserve JB mobilized August 1914:
GRJB, GRSB, RJB 1-14, Bav RJB 1, 2. (Listed Z43-117) (rjb 12/13 Saxon.. F56-34)
Fall 1914 Neuaufstellung:
RJB 15-26 (in RD 43-54) (25/26 JB Saxon F56-34)
1916
JB 27 was formed from Finnlander in Lockstedt Encampment, they served on the Riga Front. This Bn was disbanded in early (Feb Z56) 1918 and it became the nucleus of the Finnish Army. (Z29-44)
(Ers Abt J2 and 1 ins Ers Rgt Gropp, renamed IR 344, and Ers Rgt Koenigsberg II renamed IR 376) (F56-34)
1915-1917: Most JB were united to form Jaeger Rgts (Z29). By spring 18 most JB formed into Regiments (F56-35)
May 1915: (Bay) JR 1: Bav JB 1, Bav JB 2 and bav RJB 2
JR 2: JB 10, RJB 10 & RJB 14.
JR 3: 4 Schneeschuh Bn,
July 1916: JR 4 (JB 11, RJB 5, RJB 6)
JR 5 (RJB 17, RJB 18, RJB 23
Aug 1916: JR 6: (JB 5, JB 6, JB 14)
Saxon JR 7 (JB13, RJB 25, RJB 26)
JR 8 (RJB 4, RJB 25, RJB 26 ????????????????????????(F56-35)
Sept 1916: JR 9: (JB 8, RJB 12)
Oct 1916: Saxon JR 10 (JB 12, “s.R.????, JB 13 (56-35)
Jan 1917: Bav 29th Inf (Jaeger) Rgt (bav RJB 1, RJB 7, RJB 8)
Mai 1918: JR 11: (St.Drag 4, GRJ, GRS)
JR 12 (St.Ul 2, JB 2, JB 7, RJB 1)
JR 13: (st.Chev.8, RJB 8, RJB 20, RJB 21)
JR 14: (St.RIR 233, RJB 15, RJB 19, RJB 22)
July 1916 Bav RJR 15: (Bav RJB 1 (see JR 29) and a Kaukasischen Bahnschutz Bn of
freed POWs. Designation: JR 15, Oct 1918 called the Kaukasisches JR 1)
Not in a regiment: GJB, GSB, JB3 (Sturm Btn 3) RJB 11 with the Ostsee Div (for Finland) JB 4, RJB 3 and the freed from a Rgt JB14, Every Bn had 2 MG Co s, 1 MW Co. Active Bns had 2 Radfahrer Co and most of these were separated from JB.
Corresponding to their character as an elite formation most of the Jager Rgt were formed into Divisions that fought in mountainous areas: (F56-35)
Dt Jaeger D: JRs 11-12-13
200 ID: JR 3-4-5
Alpenkorps: JB2, JB 1, Bay LIR
Among the 16 JR there was one unique unit: Bav Inf (Jaeger) Regt 29; Bav JB1, RJB 7, RJB 9. (Z29-44)
Corresponding to the unique nature of Jaeger battalions they were often given special assignments, mostly for mountain warfare, and for this purpose an number of Divisions were formed mostly with JR
eutsche Jaeger Division, 200 ID, Alpenkorps, 195 JD(Z 29-44)
JB 3 became a Sturmbataillon 3
These units remained independent Bns: GJB, GSB, JB 9
Part of the Ostsee Div in Finnland: JB 4, JB 14, RJB 3
RJB 11 was in Palastine (Z29-44)
Landsturm Infantry (Z30-93)
Rgtr 329-382: contained many Landsturm Inf Bn
LstmInf Rgt: most on Russian front
Landsturn Inf Rgt Loerrach, 3, 7-10, 11, 13, 17, 19-20, 22-27, 31-48, 50, 115
Ldstm Inf Rgt 109 renamed Landwehr Inf Regt 11
Bav LstmInf Rgtr 1-3
The border guard (Holland and Denmark) regiments: 601-628, some of these were Ldstm Rgts.
VII Army Corps formed two Landstm Jaeger Co s.
Jaeger Bn 31 became part of IR 613, then after the IR disbanded JB was indep a while
(Z30-93)
Mobile Landsturm Infantry Regiments:
LstIR 3,7-11, 13 (wuert), 17, 19 (Saxon) 23, 25, 26, 31-36, 38-40, 45-48, 115 (39 Wuert), Bav LstmIR 2, total 27. Mobile Lst Bn: 347
Schneeschuh and Gebirgstruppen (Z30-93)
Bavarian and Wuerttemberg formed their first Schneeschuheinheiten in the Winter of 1914. By Spring four bav Schneeschuh Battalions (? 2 Bav and 2 Prus??) and one Wuerttemberg SS Co. The four (Bav ?) SS battalions became Jaeger Rgt 3. The Wuert Co became a Gebirgskompagnie, and in the Fall 1915 a Gebirgsbattalion, and in early 1918 a Gebirgsregiment. (Z30-93)
Radfahrer (Z30-94)
At the outbreak of the war, the Jaeger battalions each had one Radfahrer Company. The limited firepower of the cavalry divisions was augmented by their Jaeger Bn. In the Fall of 1914 most Jaeger Bn received a second Radfahrer Company. Also in units which had limited cavalry units numerous Radfahrer Companies. The total number of organic Radfahrer companies:
37 Jaeger Radfahrer Companies
45 other Radfahrer Companies
Some of these Radfahrer companies were then consolidated into Radfahrer Bn 1-7. For a while some of these bns were in a Radfahrer Brigade. They were mainly used on the eastern front, Oesel and Finnland. And Livland. Example: Radfahrer Bn 1: 2nd Radfahrer Company GJB, 2nd Radfahrer Company GSB, 2nd Radfahrer Company JB 6 and 2nd Radfahrer Compaay JB 10. (Z30-94)
Machinegun Units (Z30-94)
At the outbreak of the war there were:
218 MG companies with the 218 active infantry regiments.
18 MG companies with the 18 Jaeger Bn
88 MG companies with the RIR (Z30-94) (Corr: 113 RIR had 84 MG Co F56-37)
The 13 peacetime Fortress MG Abteilungen provided the framework for the formation of a great number of Fortress MG Troops (Trupps) , which were assigned to regiments assigned to man the fortresses and these regiments soon were mobilized an took to the field. Along with their Fortress MG Truppen.The new RIR 201-272 received upon their formation MG Zuege. It soon became a high priority to equip regiments without MG companies with MGs. In addition to these Feld MG Zuege were formed which were assigned to regiments to cover their demand, also 200 MG Scharfschuetzentrupps.
In the summer of 1916 a major reorganization occurred. A MG company was to be assigned to each infantry battalion regardless whether active, reserve, landwehr or Landsturm and independent battalions (Jaeger) two MG companies. MG Scharfschuetzentrupps were combined to form MG SS Abteilungen, a kind of MG Battalion with 3 MG companies of which there were 83 including 4 Bavarian. The MG SS Abtg were Army level assets and by the first offensive of 1918 a number of Divisons received a MG SS Abtg as a division level asset. (Z30-94)
The mountain warfare in the Alps, Carpathian Mountains (Rumania), the Vosgesen and Macedonia lead to the formation of Gebirgs MG formations. 43 Gebirgs MG Abteilungen having the strength of a company were formed with the 201 to 255 and 18 of them later became a sort of MG Battalions in the Gebirgs MG Abt 260-265 in October 1918. (Z30-95)
1914 two Musketen Bn formed using Danish Madsen rifle: Musketen Bn 1 and 2. (Z30-95) . Russian Cavalry used Madsen rifle (light MG), other nations used it including Denmark, Norway, Holland, Spain, China. 25 round magazine. In 1915 the Ministry of War had a number of Madsen rifles complete with necessary equipment for both infantry and cavalry. The Madsen rifle was called a Muskete. There were five units armed with the Madsen rifle, two infantry and three cavalry. On Aug 10, 1915 the Prussian Ministry of War ordered the formation of two Infantry Musketen Battalion. Musketen Battalion 1 had 3 companies (Co 15-16-17 Inf Leibregiment 117) and was assigned to Armee Abteilung Gaade. Musketen-Battalion 2.had 2 companies (CO 18 and 19 Inf Leibregiment 117) and assigned to Armee Abteilung Falkenhausen. The mission of these units were to provide additional defensive firepower in sectors where the enemy attack was threatening to break through. The (Hessian) XVIII AK was tasked with forming the two Musketen Battalions with personnel from five different AK. On September 18, 1915 the Prussian Ministry of War decreed that the ersatz unit for the two Musketen Battalions would be I. Ersatz Battalion of Infantry Regiment 117 (Hessian Infanterie- Leibregiment Grossherzogin 117) in Mainz. The uniform would be that of Infantereie Leibregiment 117. And on November 6, 1915 another KM decree stated that in the Essatz battalion a Ersatz Musketen Kompanie would be formed. No spare parts were available for the guns and by October 1916 spare weapons ran out and could not be replaced. On Dec 4, 1916 the Prussian KM decree that the Musketen battalion change over to captured Lewis MGs until enough MG 08/15 were available. On Feb 24, 1917 Musketen Battalion 2 was ordered to turn in their Madsen rifles to Musketen battalion 1 and change over to Lewis Guns. On August 8, 1917 Musketen Battalion 1 was ordered to change over to Lewis MG. On April 22, 1918 the Prussian Minitry of War decreed that Musketen Battalions 1 and 2 be retrained and converted into MG SS Abteilung with MG 08. Both units retained their original names as Musketen Battaion 1 and 2. These units Ersatz unit changed from I Ersatz Battalion I L Rgt 117 to MG Ersatz Company of IR 117. (Z32-355-361)
Musketen Bataillone 1 and 2: For a short time also designated as IV. And V /IR 117. Became a MG SS Abt since replacement weapons/parts were not available for these Danish Madsen rifles. (F 56-37)
MG Verbaende: (F56-36)
Spring 1918: Eacmobile regiment (including Landsturm IR) had 3 MG Co s, RIR had four (after IV Bn disbanded..kept its KM Co). Jaeger Bn had two MG Co s.
MG Abteilungen (Peacetime units remaining) Garde MG Abt, MG Abtlg 2 and 3, Bav MG Abtlg 1 (company size).
Res.MG ABtlg 1, 2, and 4.
MGSS Abtlg (with 3 Co s) 1-79, Bav MG Abtlg. 1-4
Gebirgs MG Abtlg (3 Co s) 260-265
30 Gebrifs MG Abtlg (1 Co) 201-251, Wuert.Gebirgs MG Abtlg 1-3, Bav Gebirgs MG Abtlg 1 and 2
Each active IR ande JB deployed with a MG Co (Bav JB 1 and 2: no MG Co).
Das Lehr IR with 2 MG Co (1 fm LIB, one fm Lehr MG Co)
113 RIR had 84 (not 88) MG Co and 4 had two.
Along with the Bde Ers Bn deployed 43 Ers.MG Zuege.
LIR had no MG Co s.
There were 11 MG Abteilungen meant for the Cavalry Divisions (G1, G2, 1-8, Bav 1)
The peacetime Fortress MG Abt (1 Co) provided the framework for the MG Abtlg and Trupps that were formed and deployed in the first days of the mobilization, and the majority of these went to regiments without MG Cos, especially to LIR in the eastern border provinces.
The demand from the front for more MG became more and more urgent. The Ministry of War created single MG companies for divisions and Feld MG Co and Feld MG Ergaenzungszuege and leichte MG Trupps which were assigned to regiments. This hodge podge of MG units came to an end in the Fall of 1916. These MG units were absorbed into the formation of 2nd and 3rd MG companies for infantry regiments. Of the peacetime MG Abteilungen only four mentioned before remained the rest becasme MG Co or Ergaenzungszuege. The April 1916 formed MG SS Trupps were combined into MG SS ABtlg. (F56-36)
MG Abteilungen in WWI (F63-147/8)
G MGAtg 1 (GKD, GKSchzD)
G MGAbtg 2 (5&9 KD Oct 17 split up to form cav MG Esk)
MG Abtlg 1-8 (all with Cav units, 4,6,7 split up became MG Esk
MG Abtlg 9 (formed 1914, 6 KD, disbanded and absorbed into cav MG Esk
MG Abtlg 10 (formed 1915, KD Nord, disnaded absorbed into cav MG Esk)
1.Bay MG Abtlg (Bayer KD)
Res MG Abtlg 1-5: formed during mobilization, Res MG Abtlg 1-3 with KD)
Res MG ABtlg 1 KD
Res MG Abtlg 2 GKD, KM 23.9.18 aufgeloest
Res. MG Abtlg 3 (GKD Ende 1917 disbanded and became Cav MG Esk
Res MG Abtlg 4 (35 RD, 200 ID, ALpenkorps, Arm Abt A, 301 ID
Res MG Abtlg 5 (F says “3”)(Hauptreserve Posen, LD Bredow(18.) became MG Co LIR 72 (F63-147/8)