Gardekorps... 1918

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi,

would it be correct to say that the 1st and 2nd garde Divisions were still the core of the Gardekorps in 1918?

Thanks

Chris

[Chris Boonzaier]

Anyone !?!?!? :-(

[Les]

Hi,

would it be correct to say that the 1st and 2nd garde Divisions were still the core of the Gardekorps in 1918?

Thanks

Chris

Shortish answer...a qualified yes. I'd call the two divisions the "heart" of the overll Garde, once the garde was expanded beyond it's pre-war OB.

Chris, by 1918, there were five Garde divisions. The 1st and 2te were the original parent formations, and during 1917 when the other divsions were in the formative stages, experienced cadre units (and also veteran enlisted men) were taken from the first two divisions to form the basis of the next three divisions.

The strength and fighting abilities of both units were close, but the 1te and 2te were a bit better because they retained their leadership structure and although there was a large infusion on new recruits into the ranks, command/control factors gave them an edge over fighting abilities of the new formations.

From a purely "class" point of view, the Germans associated a fair amount of prestige with specific regiments, and family connections and associations within those units. In otherwords, the very thin upper crust of German society went into units like the Garde Kurrasier, and 1st or 2nd Garde zu Fuss. BEcause the number of officer slots in any regiment were limited, usually the eldest or most highly connected sons were accepted, and the younger sons went to other slightly less prestigious units.

Considering the prestige and social status of the first two divisions, they tended to be well-provided for in terms of equipment, making losses in manpower good (with the best drafts from home), etc. They did slightly better than the other three, and on the battlefield did better than the newer formations. That differences given time, experiences, and officers who "grew" into their leadership slots, would have resulted in an overall Garde structure that went beyond "name only" status.

That help?

Les

[Chris Boonzaier]

Yes indeed it does. Thank you.

all the best

Chris