V Reserve Corps (German Empire)


The V Reserve Corps was a corps level command of the German Army in World War I.

Formation

V Reserve Corps was formed on the outbreak of the war in August 1914 as part of the mobilisation of the Army. It was initially commanded by General der Infanterie Erich von Gündell, brought out of retirement. It was still in existence at the end of the war in the 5th Army, Heeresgruppe Gallwitz on the Western Front.

Structure on formation

On formation in August 1914, V Reserve Corps consisted of two divisions, made up of reserve units. In general, Reserve Corps and Reserve Divisions were weaker than their active counterparts
In summary, V Reserve Corps mobilised with 22 infantry battalions, 7 machine gun companies, 6 cavalry squadrons, 12 field artillery batteries and 3 pioneer companies. 10th Reserve Division was slightly stronger than the norm as it included an active infantry brigade.

Combat chronicle

On mobilisation, V Reserve Corps was assigned to the 5th Army forming part of the centre of the forces for the Schlieffen Plan offensive in August 1914.

Commanders

V Reserve Corps had the following commanders during its existence:
FromRankName
2 August 1914GeneralleutnantErich von Gündell
2 September 1914General der InfanterieErich von Gündell
3 September 1916GeneralleutnantOtto von Garnier
27 August 1917GeneralleutnantViktor Kühne
21 November 1917General der InfanterieFranz Freiherr von Soden