Organisational & Developmental Overview of the Imperial German Infantry, 1871-1914 The aim of this article is to give an organisational

and developmental overview of the Imperial German infantry from the time of the conclusion of the Franco-Prussian War and the unification of Germany until the mobilisation for the Great War in August 1914. This is unfortunately not a well documented subject in the English language and I have therefore borrowed greatly from various excellent German language sources which are listed at the foot of this article. It will be seen throughout the history of the expansion of the German infantry, that formed companies and in some cases battalions were transferred as whole units to become the cadre formations of newly formed regiments. The regiment losing a company would then reform that company from within the regiment and the process would continue. Mick O'Shea gives a comprehensive list of German Army regiments and higher formations as they stood at the outbreak of war; this article deals with the growth of the German infantry in the period immediately prior to this date. Notes on Numbering of Formations: Battalions use Roman numerals e.g. 1st Battalion Grenadier-Regiment Nr.12 = I/12 Companies use Arabic numerals .e.g. 9th Company Grenadier-Regiment Nr.4 = 9/4 Battalions normally each had four companies, numbered throughout the regiment as: I.Bataillon: 1. - 4. II.Bataillon: 5. - 8. III.Bataillon: 9. -12. In the case of a IV.Bataillon from 1887-1890: 13. - 16. In the case of IV. half-battalions from 1893-1897: 13. - 14. PRUSSIAN GUARD AND LINE INFANTRY REGIMENTS (INCLUDING SAXONY AND WRTTEMBERG) At the conclusion of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870/71 the strength of the Prussian Infantry was 105 regiments allocated to 1 guard and 11 line corps as follows: 9 Guard infantry regiments: 1.Garde-Regiment zu Fu "Erstes Regiment der Christenheit" 2.Garde-Regiment zu Fu "Die Hammel" 3.Garde-Regiment zu Fu 4.Garde-Regiment zu Fu "Die Moabiter Veilchen" Kaiser Alexander-Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr.1 "Alexander", "Kartoffelschler" Kaiser Franz-Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr. 2 "Franzer", "Bluthunde" Knigin-Elisabeth-Grenadier-Regiment Nr.3 "Elisabether", "Kronen Esel" Knigin-Augusta-Grenadier-Regiment Nr.4 "Augustaner" Garde-Fsilier-Regiment "Die Maikfer" 13 line grenadier regiments 1 12, 89 Name as at 1871 Subsequent Re-naming Renamed 22.3.1888: Kaiser-Grenadier-Regiment Nr.1 Renamed 21.6.1888: Grenadier-Regiment Kronprinz (1.Ostpreuisches) Nr.1 Grenadier-Regiment Knig Friedrich III. (1.Ostpreuisches) Nr.1 Renamed 6.5.1900: Grenadier-Regiment Kronprinz (1.Ostpreuisches) Nr.1 Grenadier-Regiment Knig Friedrich Wilhelm IV. (1.Pommersches) Nr.2 Renamed 27.1.1889: 2.Ostpreuisches Grenadier-Regiment Nr.3 Grenadier-Regiment Knig Friedrich Wilhelm I. (2.Ostpreuisches) Nr.3 Renamed 27.1.1889: Grenadier-Regiment Knig Friedrich II. (3.Ostpreuisches) Nr.4 3.Ostpreuisches Grenadier-Regiment Nr.4 Renamed 7.9.1901: Grenadier-Regiment Knig Friedrich der Groe (3.Ostpreuisches) Nr.4 Renamed 27.1.1889: 4.Ostpreuisches Grenadier-Regiment Nr.5 Grenadier-regiment Knig Friedrich I. (4.Ostpreuisches) Nr.5 Renamed 27.1.1889: 1.Westpreuisches Grenadier-Regiment Nr.6 Grenadier-Regiment Graf Kleist von Nollendorf (1.Westpreuisches) Nr.6 Renamed 22.3.1888: Knig Wilhelm Grenadier-Regiment Nr.7 Renamed 21.6.1888: Knigs-Grenadier-Regiment (2.Westpreuisches) Nr.7 Knig Wilhelm I. Grenadier-Regiment (2.Westpreuisches) Nr.7 Renamed 27.1.1889: Grenadier-Regiment Knig Wilhelm I. (2.Westpreuisches) Nr.7 Renamed 27.1.1889: Leib-Grenadier-Regiment (1.Brandenburgisches) Nr.8 Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Knig Friedrich Wilhelm III. (1.Brandenburgisches) Nr.8 Renamed 27.1.1889: Colbergsches Grenadier-Regiment (2.Pommersches) Nr.9 Colbergsches Grenadier-Regiment Graf Gneisenau (2.Pommersches) Nr.9 Renamed 27.1.1889: 1.Schlesisches Grenadier-Regiment Nr.10 Grenadier-Regiment Knig Friedrich Wilhelm II. (1.Schlesisches) Nr.10

2.Schlesisches Grenadier-Regiment Nr.11

Renamed: 22.3.1888: Grenadier-Regiment Kronprinz Friedrich Wilhelm (2.Schlesisches) Nr.11 Renamed 6.5.1900: Grenadier-Regiment Knig Friedrich III. (2.Schlesisches) Nr.11

Grenadier-Regiment Prinz Carl von Preuen (2.Brandenburgisches) Nr.12 Groherzoglich Mecklenburgisches Grenadier-Regiment Nr.89 71 line infantry regiments 13-32 and 41-72, 74-79, 81-85, 87-88, 91-96 12 line fusilier regiments 33-40, 73, 80, 86, 90 The former Saxon army had already been incorporated into the army of the North German Confederation at the conclusion of the Austro-Prussian war of 1866 and it's regiments given the series 100 - 108 and incorporated in the XII. army corps. With the conclusion of the Franco-Prussian war, on the 1st July 1871, the division of the Grand-Duchy of Baden was incorporated into the German army as the XIV. army corps with the newly numbered Infantry regiments 109 - 114 introduced into the Prussian sequence: (1.)Leib-Grenadier1.Badisches Leib Grenadier-Regiment Nr.109 Regiment (2.)Grenadier2.Badisches Grenadier-Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm Nr.110 Regiment Kaiser Renamed 2.8.1888: Wilhelm 2.Badisches Grenadier-Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm I Nr.110 Groherzogl.Badisches 3.Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.111 3.Infanterie-Regiment Renamed 18.12.1892: Infanterie-Regiment Markgraf Ludwig Wilhelm (3.Badisches)Nr.111 Groherzogl.Badisches 4.Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Wilhelm Nr.112 4.Infanterie-Regiment Groherzogl.Badisches 5.Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.113 5.Infanterie-Regiment 6.Groherzogl.Badisch Kgl.Preusisches 6.Badisches Infanterie-Regiment es Infanterie-Regiment Renamed 2.8.1888: 6.Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Kaiser Friedrich III. Nr. 114 The Grand-Duchy of Hesse division had been incorporated in 1867 into the Prussian line as the 25. Infanterie-Division of XI. army corps with the Hessian regiments being numbered in the Prussian sequence in 1871 as Infantry regiments 115 118: 1.Infanterie-Regiment 1.Groherzogl.Hessisches Infanterie-(Leibgarde) Regiment Nr.115 (Leibgarde-Regiment) Renamed 28.11.1906: Leibgarde-Infanterie-Regiment (1.Groherzoglich Hessisches) Nr.115 2.Infanterie-Regiment 2.Groherzogl.Hessisches Infanterie-Regiment (Groherzog) Nr.116 (Groherzog) Renamed 5.11.1891: Infanterie-Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm (2.Groherzoglich Hessisches) Nr.116 3.Infanterie-Regiment 3.Groherzogl.Hessisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.117 (Leib-Regiment) Renamed 15.2.1902: Infanterie-Leibregiment Groherzogin (3.Groherzoglich Hessisches) Nr.117 4.Infanterie-Regiment 4.Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Carl (Nr.118) (Prinz Carl) Renamed 28.11.1906: Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Carl (4.Groherzoglich Hessisches) Nr.118 The Wrttemberg army corps was incorporated as the XIII (Royal Wrttemberg) in the Prussian sequence on the 18th December 1871 with the regiments numbered in the sequence 119 - 126: 1.Infanterie-Regiment 1.Wrttembergisches Infanterie-Regiment (Grenadier-Regiment Knigin Olga) Nr.119 Knigin Olga Renamed 14.12.1874: Grenadier-Regiment Knigin Olga (1.Wrttembergisches) Nr.119 2.Infanterie-Regiment 2.Wrttembergisches Infanterie-Regiment (Kaiser Wilhelm, Knig von Preuen) Nr.120 (Kaiser Wilhelm, Knig Renamed 14.12.1874: von Preuen) Infanterie-Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm, Knig von Preuen (2.Wrttembergisches) Nr.120 3.Wrttembergisches 3.Wrttembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.121 Infanterie-Regiment Renamed 18.3.1891: Infanterie-Regiment Alt-Wrttemberg (3.Wrttembergisches) Nr.121 Infanterie-Regiment 4.Wrttembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.122 Nr.4 Renamed 9.1.1892: 4.Wrttembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Kaiser Franz Joseph v.sterreich, Knig v.Ungarn Nr.122 Renamed 10.11.1906: Fsilier-Regiment Kaiser Franz Joseph v.sterreich, Knig v.Ungarn (4.Wrttembergisches) Nr.122 5.Wrttembergisches 5.Wrttembergisches Infanterie-Regiment (Grenadier-Regiment) Knig Karl Nr.123 Infanterie-Regiment Renamed 14.12.1874: (Grenadier-Regiment) Grenadier-Regiment Knig Karl (5.Wrttembergisches) Nr.123 Knig Karl 6.Infanterie-Regiment 6.Wrttembergisches Infanterie-Regiment (Knig Wilhelm) Nr.124 Knig Wilhelm Renamed 14.12.1874: Infanterie-Regiment Knig Wilhelm (6.Wrttembergisches)Nr.124

Renamed 6.10.1891: Infanterie-Regiment Knig Wilhelm I. (6.Wrttembergisches)Nr.124 7.Linien-Infanterie7.Wrttembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.125 Regiment Renamed 20.3.1888: Infanterie-Regiment Kaiser Friedrich, Knig von Preuen (7.Wrttembergisches)Nr.125 8.Linien-Infanterie8.Wrttembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.126 Regiment Renamed 25.4.1891: Infanterie-Regiment Groherzog Friedrich von Baden (8.Wrttembergisches)Nr.126 The XV army corps was formed in Straburg in Alsace-Lorraine on the 20th March 1871. The following Prussian regiments were transferred to it: 25, 42, 45, 47, 60, 92 as well as Saxon, Wrttemberg and Bavarian troops. The following new regiments were formed by order of the all highest cabinet orders of the 24th March 1881 to the 1st April 1881 through the transfer of personnel from existing units: 1.Oberrheinisches From: 6./109, 3./110, 3./88, 5./111, 9./94, 4./32, 6./83, 7./95, 5./80, 10./87, 12./22, 11./81 numbered as Infanterie-Regiment companies 1. -12. Nr.97 Metzer InfanterieFrom: 2./12, 2./24, 3./27, 4./48, 5./26, 6./66, 7./8, 7./52, 9./64, 9./20, 11./35, 12./93 numbered as Regiment Nr.98 companies 1. - 12. 2.Oberrheinisches From: 3./74, 10./91, 2./50, 6./78, 4./58, 8./46, 7./6, 10./37, 4./7, 10./19, 9./59, 12./73 numbered as Infanterie-Regiment companies 1. - 12. Nr.99 Danziger InfanterieFrom: 12./89, 2./44, 3./90, 4./33, 6./1, 6./75, 7./43, 8./76, 9./4, 10./5, 11./3, 8./41 numbered as companies Regiment Nr.128 1. - 12. 3.Westpreuisches from: 9./9, 4./2, 3./31, 3./49, 5./84, 6./85, 3./21, 4./19, 5./34, 10./61, 9./54, 11./86 numbered as Infanterie-Regiment companies 1. - 12. Nr.129 1.Lothringisches From: 2./68, 2./69, 4./114, 4./28, 5./113, 6./112, 7./65, 8./30, 9./29, 10./40, 11./70, 12./17 numbered as Infanterie-Regiment companies 1. - 12. Nr.130 2.Lothringisches From: 2./77, 2./57, 4./16, 7./13, 5./67,6./79, 8./15, 8./56, 9./55, 9./82,10./53, 11./39 numbered as Infanterie-Regiment companies 1. - 12. Nr.131 1.Unterelsssisches From: 2./11, 6./ 51, 7./10, 10./38, 4./18, 11./23, 9./62, 8./63, 5./71, 3./72, 6./36, 12./96 numbered as Infanterie-Regiment companies 1. - 12. Nr.132 These were at first distributed throughout the existing corps. Since the end of March 1884 until the end of March 1888 in accordance with the all highest cabinet orders of 11th March 1887 to April 1887, they with the newly established regiments 135-138 were assigned to the XV. Army corps, with the exception of regiments 128 and 129 which remained with the I. and II. Corps respectively. Regiments formed by order of the all highest cabinet order of 11th March 1887: 3.Lothringisches From: 5./131, 2./5, 3./98, 6./43, 12./4, 6./128, 11./44, 7./45, 10./41, 10./130, 10./3, 4./67 numbered as Infanterie-Regiment companies 1. - 12. Nr.135 4.Lothringisches From: 4./8, 6./48, 6./52, 8./12, 5./20, 8./24, 12./35, 12./64, 2./93, 10./27, 12./26, 8./66 numbered as Infanterie-Regiment companies 1. - 12. Nr.136 2.Unterelsssisches From: 2./72, 6./71, 11./96, 12./36, 11./89, 4./90, 11./75, 12./76, 5./85, 6./31, 4./86, 12./84 numbered as Infanterie-Regiment companies 1. - 12. Nr.137 3.Unterelsssisches From: 2./116, 3./118, 4./117, 8./115, 3./25, 11./60, 9./62, 4./94, 10./11, 9./51, 3./10, 8./38 numbered as Infanterie-Regiment companies 1. - 12. Nr.138 Also in April 1887, the following 15 Prussian regiments (including three from Baden) were authorised a fourth battalion in the strength of four rifle companies (13., 14., 15., 16.): 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 39, 40, 53, 65, 80, 83, 112, 113, 114 & 129. In accordance with all highest cabinet order of the 1st February 1890, these fourth battalions were used to form the following Prussian Infantry regiments 140 - 144: 4.Westpreuisches From: IV./13 as I.Batt., IV./39 as II.Batt., IV./129 as III.Batt. Infanterie-Regiment Nr.140 Kulmer InfanterieFrom: IV./18 as I.Batt., IV./53 as II.Batt., IV./14 as III.Batt. Regiment Nr.141 7.Badisches Infanterie- From: IV./112 as I.Batt., IV./113 as II.Batt., IV./114 as III.Batt. Regiment Nr.142 4.Unterelsssisches From: IV./17 as I.Batt., IV./80 as II.Batt., IV./83 as III.Batt. Infanterie-Regiment Nr.143 5.Lothringisches From: IV./16 as I.Batt., IV./40 as II.Batt., IV./65 as III.Batt. Infanterie-Regiment Nr.144 By order of the all highest cabinet order of 28 July 1890, the following regiment was formed by 1st October of that year

through the transfer of personnel of regiments in the 8., 16., & 21. divisions: Knigs-InfanterieFrom: 7./71, 7./72, 8./96, 4./36, 2./69, 7./70, 9./30, 7./29, 5./87, 6./80, 6./81, 9./88 numbered as Regiment companies 1. - 12. (6.Lothringisches) Nr.145 As at the 1st April 1890 the order of battle included the newly formed XVI. and XVII. army corps as follows: XV. Armee-Korps (Straburg i E.) Regiments 60, 97, 99, 132, 136, 137, 138, 143. XVI. Armee-Korps (Metz) Regiments 17, 67, 98, 130, 131, 135, 144, 145. XVI. Armee-Korps: (Danzig) Regiments 5, 14, 18, 21, 44, 61, 128, 141. Regiments 42, 129 and 140 went to the II. army corps and the 7. Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.142 went to the XIV. army corps as indeed did regiment 25. Regiment 45 was transferred to the I. army corps and regiment 47 to the V. army corps. In accordance with the all highest cabinet order of 11th August 1893 all extant infantry regiments were authorised to form a fourth battalion in the strength of two companies (13. and 14.) with a personnel strength of 8 officers and 193 NCOs and privates. As ordered by cabinet orders from 31st March to 1st April 1897 these so-called fourth half-battalions were used to form new regiments, at first in the strength of only two battalions each. Regiments 153 and 162 were both formed from the transfer of an existing whole battalion and two half-battalions. From: IV./3.Garde-Regt.z.F., IV./Garde-Fs.Regt. as I.Batt., IV./G.G.R.Nr.3, IV./G.G.R.Nr. 4 as 5.Garde-Regiment zu Fu II.Batt. Garde-Grenadier-Regiment From: IV./2.Garde-Regt.z.F., IV./4.Garde-Regt.z.F. as I.Batt., IV./G.G.R.Nr.1, IV./G.G.R.Nr.2 as Nr.5 II.Batt. 1.Masurisches InfanterieFrom: IV./1, IV./41 as I.Batt., IV./3 , IV./43 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.146 2.Masurisches InfanterieFrom: IV./4, IV./45 as I.Batt., IV./33, IV./59 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.147 5.Westpreuisches Infanterie- From: IV./2, IV./42 as I.Batt., IV./9, IV./54 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.148 6.Westpreuisches Infanterie- From: IV./34, IV./129 as I.Batt., IV./49, IV./140 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.149 1.Ermlndisches InfanterieFrom: IV./48, IV./52 as I.Batt., IV./8, IV./12 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.150 2.Ermlndisches InfanterieFrom: IV./20, IV./35 as I.Batt., IV./24, IV./64 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.151 Deutsch-Ordens InfanterieFrom: IV./26, IV./66 as I.Batt., IV./27, IV./93 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.152 8.Thringisches InfanterieFrom: I./96 as I.Batt., IV./96, IV./72 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.153 5.Niederrheinisches Infanterie- From: IV./50, IV./58 as I.Batt., IV./7, IV./19 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.154 7.Westpreuisches Infanterie- From: IV./6, IV./46 as I.Batt., IV./37, IV./47 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.155 3.Schlesisches InfanterieFrom: IV./10, IV./38 as I.Batt., IV./11, IV./51 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.156 4.Schlesisches InfanterieFrom: IV./22, IV./62 as I.Batt., IV./23, IV./63 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.157 7.Lothringisches InfanterieFrom: IV./13, IV./53 as I.Batt., IV./15, IV./55 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.158 8.Lothringisches InfanterieFrom: IV./16, IV./39 as I.Batt., IV./56, IV./57 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.159 9.Rheinisches InfanterieFrom: IV./40, IV./65 as I.Batt., IV./28, IV./68 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.160 10.Rheinisches InfanterieFrom: IV./29, IV./69 as I.Batt., IV./30, IV./70 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.161 3.Hanseatisches InfanterieFrom: IV./89, IV./90 as I.Batt., III./76 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.162 Schleswig-Holsteinisches From: IV./84, IV./86 as I.Batt., IV./31, IV./85 as II.Batt. Infanterie-Regiment Nr.163 4.Hanoversches InfanterieFrom: IV./78, IV./91 as I.Batt., IV./73, IV./74 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.164 5.Hanoversches InfanterieFrom: IV./79, IV./82 as I.Batt., IV./77, IV./92 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.165 Infanterie-Regiment HessenFrom: IV./87, IV./88 as I.Batt., IV./80, IV./81 as II.Batt. Homburg Nr.166 1.Oberelsssisches Infanterie- From: IV./94, IV./95 as I.Batt., IV./32, IV./83 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.167 From: IV./115, IV./116 as I.Batt., IV./117, IV./118 as II.Batt. 5.Grossherzoglich Hessisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.168 8.Badisches InfanterieRegiment Nr.169 From: IV./109, IV./110 as I.Batt., IV./25, IV./111 as II.Batt.

9.Badisches InfanterieFrom: IV./113, IV./114 as I.Batt., IV./112, IV./142 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.170 2.Oberelsssisches Infanterie- From: IV./97, IV./136 as I.Batt., IV./60, IV./137 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.171 3.Oberelsssisches Infanterie- From: IV./132, IV./138 as I.Batt., IV./99, IV./143 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.172 9.Lothringisches InfanterieFrom: IV./17, IV./144 as I.Batt., IV./98, IV./130 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.173 10.Lothringisches InfanterieFrom: IV./67, IV./131 as I.Batt., IV./135, IV./145 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.174 8.Westpreuisches Infanterie- From: IV./14, IV./141 as I.Batt., IV./18, IV./44 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.175 9.Westpreuisches Infanterie- From: IV./5, IV./128 as I.Batt., IV./21, IV./61 as II.Batt. Regiment Nr.176 An example of the way in which these new regiments were formed can be shown by the case of 5.Garde-Regiment zu Fu: Formed 31.3.1897 through the transfer of fully formed companies and officially named the following day as 5.Garde-Regiment zu Fu: 1./ from 13./3.Garde-Rgt.z.Fu 2./ from 13/Garde-Fs.-Rgt. 3./ from 14./ 3.Garde-Rgt.z.Fu 4./ from 14./ Garde-Fs.-Rgt. 5./ from 13./Garde-Gd.-Rgt. Nr.3 6./ from 13./Garde-Gd.-Rgt. Nr.4 7./ from 14./ Garde-Gd.-Rgt. Nr.3 8./ from 14./ Garde-Gd.-Rgt. Nr.4 The addition of a third battalion for each of the above regiments was a lengthy process which in some cases was not completed until 1913. This process again involved the handing over of formed companies. They received their 3rd battalions according to the following cabinet orders: A.K.O. of the 1st April 1905: Regiments 146 and 150 A.K.O. of the 1st June 1906: Regiments 147 and 151 A.K.O. of the 17th May 1907: Regiment 172 A.K.O. of the 4th April 1909: Regiments 165 and 171 A.K.O. of the 29th June 1912: Regiments 148, 149, 155, 160, 161, 163, 166, 173 - 176 A.K.O. of the 4th May 1913: 5. Garde-Regiment zu Fu, Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr.5 and Regiments 152 154, 156 - 159, 162, 164, 167 - 170 The all highest cabinet order of the 1st of April 1899 authorised the formation of the XVIII. army corps at Frankfurt am Main. The XIX. army corps (2nd Royal Saxon) was formed the same day. A further two corps were formed on the 1st October 1912 - the XX. at Allenstein in East Prussia and the XXI. at Saarbrcken. The XX. Armee-Korps received the following regiments: 18, 59, 146, 147, 148, 150, 151 & 152. The XXI. Armee-Korps: Regiments 17, 60, 70, 97, 137, 138, 166 & 174. Prior to mobilisation in 1914 therefore, 9.Westpreuisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.176 was the highest numbered Prussian infantry regiment. Since 1871 the following non Prussian contingent regiments had been formed (excluding Bavaria): 9.Wrttembergisches InfanterieRegiment Nr.127

1.4.1897

From: IV./123, IV./124 as I.Batt., IV./120, IV./ 126 as II.Batt. From: a combined company of Regt. Nr.100, 2./103, 3./102, 4./101, 5./101, 8./100, 7./102, a newly formed company from Regt. Nr.101, 11./100, 8./103, 9./102, 11./103 numbered as companies 1. - 12. From: 9./106, newly formed companies from Regt. Nr.107and 104, 4./105, 5./107, 12./108, 6./104, 8./106, 9./108, 9./107, 11./106, 10./104 numbered as companies 1. -12. From:5./100, 2./104, 3./107, 4./103, 8./101, 6./102, a newly formed company from Regt.Nr.100, 9./106, a newly formed company from Regt.Nr.107, 9./133, 11./106, 12./134 numbered as coys 1. - 12. From: IV./100, IV./101, IV./105, IV./133

Knigl. Schsisches 9.Infanterie1.4.1881 Regiment Nr.133 10.Kniglich Schsisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.134 11.Kniglich Schsisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.139 1.4.1881 1.4.1897

Knigl. Schsisches 12.Infanterie1.4.1897 Regiment Nr.177 13.Kniglich Schsisches From: IV./102, IV./103, IV./104, IV./108 1.4.1897 Infanterie-Regiment Nr.178 14.Kniglich Schsisches From: IV./106, IV./107, IV./134, IV./139 1.4.1897 Infanterie-Regiment Nr.179 10.Knigl. Wrttembergisches 1.4.1897 From:119, IV./125 as I.Batt., IV./121, IV./122 as II.Batt. Infanterie-Regiment Nr.180 Knigl. Schsisches 15.InfanterieFrom: Jger Bat.Nr.15 and transfers from infantry regiments 1.4.1900 Regiment Nr.181 16.Kniglich Schsisches From: 1./133, 4./101, 10./100, 2./104, 2./107, 3./106, 3./139, 6./108, 1.10.1912 Infanterie-Regiment Nr.182 9./177, 10./177, 11./177, 12./177 numbered as companies 1. - 12. In accordance with the cabinet order of 1st October 1911 the following infantry regiments received a machine- gun company as 13.company:

1. and 2. - 5. Garde-Rgt., Elisabeth, Augusta Garde-Grenadier-Rgt., Garde-Fsilier-Rgt. and the following line grenadier and infantry regiments: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 15, 17, 21, 22, 24, 27, 31 - 36, 38, 39, 41, 47, 48, 49, 51, 53, 56, 58, 59,63, 65, 66, 68 - 72, 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 83, 86, 88, 91, 94, 97, 98, 129, 130, 132, 135, 143, 144, 145, 148, 149, 150, 155, 157, 161, 162, 166, 171, 173 & 176 In accordance with the cabinet order of 1st October 1912 the following regiments received their 3. Battalions: Regiments 148, 149, 155, 160, 161, 163, 173, 174, 175, 176. The cabinet order of 4th May 1913 authorised the formation of a machine gun company for those regiments still without one on the establishment and a 3. Battalion for the 5.Garde-Rgt. zu Fu, 5. Garde-Grenadier- Regiment as well as infantry regiments 152, 153, 154, 156 - 159, 162, 164, 167 so that all regiments numbered within the Prussian series now had a third battalion. Additionally at the 1st October 1913 15 fortress machine-gun companies (Festungs-M.G.-Abteilung) were added as the 14. company of the following regiments and attached to battalions as follows: 1.= F./Gren.-Rgt. Nr.1 2.= III./Inf.-Rgt. Nr.147 3.= I./ Inf.-Rgt. Nr.141 4.= II./ Inf.-Rgt. Nr.129 5.= III./ Inf.-Rgt. Nr.21 6.= III./ Inf.-Rgt. Nr.47 7.= I./ Inf.-Rgt. Nr.65 8.= III./ Inf.-Rgt. Nr.88 9.= II./ Inf.-Rgt. Nr.132 10.= III./ Inf.-Rgt. Nr.143 11.= I./ Inf.-Rgt. Nr.135 12.= II./ Inf.-Rgt. Nr.130 13.= II./Knigs- Inf.-Rgt. Nr.145 14.= II./ Inf.-Rgt. Nr.98 15.= I./ Inf.-Rgt. Nr.144 The fortress machine companies were the last peace-time additions to the German infantry prior to the outbreak of hostilities in 1914 and were only raised in Prussia. All formations created thereafter were termed "Kriegsformationen" (war formations) and were disbanded almost immediately after the armistice in 1918. For a complete listing of infantry regiments and their assignments just prior to the outbreak of the First World War see Mick's Home page. PRUSSIAN JGER BATTALIONS Already in existence in 1871 were 21 Jger battalions consisting of the Guard Jger and Guard Schtzen battalions plus 16 line Jger battalions including two Saxon (Nr. 12 & 13), two from the Grand Duchy of Hesse and one from Mecklemburg-Schwerin (Nr. 14). The two Hessian Jger battalions; 1.(Garde)-Jger -Bataillon and the 2.Jger-Bataillon were both converted to Fsilier battalions in Hessian regiments 115 and 118 respectively; 1.Jger on 1.1.1872 and 2.Jger on 25.10.1871. Additionally the state of Wrttemberg had three Jger battalions; Nr.1 - 3. These were incorporated as Fsilier (III.) battalions in regiments 126, 119 and 123 respectively by the autumn of 1871. The Jger battalion was initially organised into 4 companies (1. - 4.) and as at the 1st October 1913 each received a machine gun company and a cycle company (5. & 6.) respectively. A further Saxon battalion was formed on the 1st April 1887. This battalion was 3.Jger-Bataillon Nr.15. This battalion was converted on 1st April 1900 to become Knigl. Schsisches 15.Infanterie-Regiment Nr.181. BAVARIAN INFANTRY REGIMENTS Bavaria being the largest of the Southern States retained a certain amount of autonomy regarding its military forces and its troops were organised in separate Bavarian corps, initially of which there were two, increased by the addition of a 3rd on 1st April 1900. At the formation of the Second Reich, the Bavarian infantry stood at a strength of One life regiment and fifteen line infantry regiments each with three battalions of four companies each. Additionally Bavaria possessed at this time 10 Jger battalions, which for the most part were used as the basis for a further increase in the number of line infantry regiments. The year 1872 saw the introduction of new rank designations for the personnel of the Bavarian infantry and Jger battalions followed in 1873 with the introduction of Prussian badges of rank to correspond with those in use in Prussia: Prussian title Bavarian title PremierOberleutnant Leutnant SekondeUnterleutnant Leutnant Oberjger* Feldwebel Sekondjger* Sergeant Korporal* Oberjger Korporal Unteroffizier *Jger battalions As ordered on the 24th July 1878, the formation of two new infantry regiments was authorised from six existing Jger battalions. 16.Infanterie-Regiment was formed from Jger battalions 2, 7 and 9 and 17.Infanterie-Regiment was formed from Jger battalions 6, 8 and 10. A third new Infantry regiment was ordered on the 1st April 1881. The 18.InfanterieRegiment was formed as follows: I.Bataillon One company each from 1., 4., 12. and 6. infantry regiments as 1.-4. company. II.Bataillon One company each from 5., 9., 14. and 8. infantry regiments as 5.-8. company. III.Bataillon One company each from 13., 15., 17. and 7. infantry regiments as 9.-12. company.

15 July 1890 saw the order issued for the foundation of 19.Infanterie-Regiment which was formed as follows: I.Bataillon One company each from 6., 7., 14. and 5. infantry regiments as 1.-4. company. II.Bataillon Formed from Jger battalion 2. III.Bataillon Formed from Jger battalion 4. In a similar fashion to that ordered by the Prussian cabinet order of 11th August 1893, the Bavarian War Ministry issued an order dated 19th August 1893 authorising the formation of a fourth half-battalion for each of the then extant infantry regiments to include the Infanterie-Leib-Regiment. These fourth half-battalions were each composed of two companies (13. and 14.)and were co-located with their parent regimental staff. These twenty half battalions were soon utilised as ordered by various decrees from 28 June 1896, 20/24 September and 24/28 November 1896, effective 1 April 1897 to form four further infantry regiments with staffs (20. - 23.) as follows: 20.-Infanterie-Regiment From: IV./Leib, IV./3, IV./1, IV./13, IV./2, IV./16 21.-Infanterie-Regiment From: IV./14, IV./19, IV./6, IV./11, IV./10, IV./15 22.-Infanterie-Regiment From: IV./5, IV./7, IV./9, IV./12 23.-Infanterie-Regiment From: IV./17, IV./18, IV./4, IV./8 Although I have yet to find the order establishing 13. Machine gun companies for the Bavarian infantry, one can probably assume that in line with Prussia, they were organised in 1911. BAVARIAN JGER BATTALIONS As previously stated, 10 Jger battalions were in existence at the start of this period, numbered 1. -10. With the expansion of the line infantry in July 1878, the following Jger battalions were converted to normal line infantry battalions: 2.Jger-Bataillon I./16 6.Jger-Bataillon I./17 7.Jger-Bataillon II./16 8.Jger-Bataillon II./17 9.Jger-Bataillon III./16 10.Jger-Bataillon III./17 5.Jger-Bataillon was renamed as 2.Jger-Bataillon and the strength of the Jger arm at this time was now: 1.Jger-Bataillon 2.Jger-Bataillon (Previously 5.Jger) 3.Jger-Bataillon 4.Jger-Bataillon On 15 July 1890 2. and 4. Jger-Bataillonen were converted to rifle battalions in the newly organised 19. Infantry regiment and consequently 3. Jger-Bataillon was renamed 2.Jger-Bataillon. In 1914 therefore the two remaining regular Jger-Bataillonen were: 1.Jger-Bataillon Knig (I.AK., 1.Div., 2.Inf.-Brig.) 2.Jger-Bataillon (II.AK., 4.Div., 7.Inf.-Brig.) MASCHINENGEWEHR-ABTEILUNGEN (Machine Gun Detachments) Following the cabinet order of the 26th March effective 1st October 1901 five independent machine gun detachments were formed. These company sized organisations were built as one guard and four line detachments. Following the cabinet order of 20th March 1902, a further guard and a further five line detachments were formed on the 1st October 1902. Those now numbered 7 and 8 had already been in existence as experimental companies with the 3. and 6. Jger Battalions since the beginning of 1900. A further Maschinengewehr-Abteilung; Nr.11 was formed on 1st October 1904. A Bavarian detachment was formed on 1st October 1902 and two Saxon detachments on 1st October 1903 which were numbered 12 and 19. Effective by 1st October 1912 detachments 6 and 9 were converted to infantry machine-gun companies in I.R.151 and I.R.172 respectively as were detachments 1 and 3 following the cabinet order of 4th May 1913 and effective 1st october of that year in G.R.4 and I.R.136. Consequently, detachments 8, 10 and 11 were re-numbered 1, 3 and 6. The Saxon detachment Nr.12 was also converted to an infantry machine-gun company in I.R.108 (SchtzenFsilier) and detachment Nr.19 was re-numbered as Nr.8. The final peacetime strength of the Maschinengewehr-Abteilungen was therefore: Garde-Maschinengewehr-Abteilung Nr.1 attached to Garde-Jger-Bat. Garde-Maschinengewehr-Abteilung Nr.2. attached to II./Garde-Gren.-Regt. Nr.4 Maschingewehr-Abteilung Nr.1 attached to I./I.R.51 Maschingewehr-Abteilung Nr.2 attached to III./I.R.29 Maschingewehr-Abteilung Nr.3 attached to I./I.R.97 Maschingewehr-Abteilung Nr.4 attached to I./I.R.21 Maschingewehr-Abteilung Nr.5 attached to III./I.R.45 Maschingewehr-Abteilung Nr.6 attached to I./I.R.67 Maschingewehr-Abteilung Nr.7 attached to I./I.R.158 Kgl. Schs.Maschinengewehr-Abteilung Nr.8 attached to I.R.107 Kgl. Bayr. 1.Maschinengewehr-Abteilung attached to Kgl. Bayr. I.R. 18 Consequently the all up strength of the regular peacetime German Infantry in August 1914 was as follows: Garde: 1.-5. Garde-Regt.z.F., Garde-Gren.1-5, Garde-Fs.Regt. Inf.-Regt. 1 -182. (Gren.1-12, Inf.-Regt.13-32, Fs.-Regt.33-40, Inf.-Regt.41-72, Fs.-Regt.73, Inf.-Regt.74-79, Fs.Regt.80, Inf.-Regt.81-85, Fs.-Regt.86, Inf.-Regt.87-88, Gren.-Regt.89, Fs.-Regt.90, Inf.-Regt.91-99, Gren.-Regt.100Line: 101, Inf.-Regt.102-107, Schtzen-(Fs.-)Regt.108, Gren.-Regt.109-110, Inf.-Regt.111-114, Leib-G.Inf.-Regt.115, Inf.Regt.116-118, Gren.-Regt.119, Inf.-Regt.120-121, Fs.-Regt.122, Gren.-Regt.123, Inf.-Regt.124-182). Lehr-Inf.Batl., Stamm-Batl. der Infanterie-Schieschule, Jger: G.Jger-Batl., G.Sch.-Batl., Jger-Batl. 1-14 Inf.Leib-Regt., 1.-23.Inf.Regt., Bavarian : 1., 2.Jger-Batl.

In total 217 active infantry regiments and 18 Jger battalions plus 11 independent machine gun detachments.