German Army order of battle (1914)


This is the German Army order of battle on the outbreak of World War I in August 1914.

Commanders and locations of the German Army

The overall commander of the Imperial German Army was Kaiser Wilhelm II. The Chief of the General Staff was Generaloberst Helmuth von Moltke the Younger, with General Hermann von Stein as Deputy Chief. The Departmental chiefs were Oberst Tappen, Oberstleutnant Hentsch, Major Nicolai, Oberst von Dommes, Generalleutnant Siger, Major Thomsen, Oberst Groner, and General von Schjerning. Generalmajor von Schoeler was Intendant-General, and General von Claer was General of Engineers.

Homeland corps deployments (1871-1914)

During times of war in Germany, all military forces came under the direct command of the German Emperor, via Article 60 of the Constitution of the German Reich. From 1871 to 1918, the forces of the Emperor included those of the kingdoms of Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony and Wurttemberg, with all other states commanded by, or merged with his Prussian army.

Western Front

Cavalry

Four independent cavalry corps served on the Western Front:
Each Cavalry Division consisted of 3 Brigades, each of 2 Cavalry Regiments, 3 horse artillery batteries and an MG detachment.

First Army

was commanded by Generaloberst Alexander von Kluck.
was commanded by Generaloberst Karl von Bülow.
was commanded by Generaloberst Max von Hausen.
was commanded by Generaloberst Albrecht, Duke of Württemberg.
was commanded by Generalmajor Wilhelm, Crown Prince of Germany.
was commanded by Generaloberst Rupprecht, Crown Prince of Bavaria.
was commanded by Generaloberst Josias von Heeringen.

Eighth Army

was commanded by Generaloberst Maximilian von Prittwitz.