The 53rd Corps () was a corps formation of the German Army in World War I. It was formed in September 1916 and was still in existence at the end of the war.
Chronicle The 53rdNote that Corps (z.b.V.) were designated with Arabic, not Roman, numerals. Corps (z.b.V.)General Commands for Special Use Generalkommandos zur besonderen Verwendung (Genkdo z.b.V.) was formed in September 1916. With the onset of trench warfare, the German Army recognised that it was no longer possible to maintain the traditional Corps unit, that is, one made up of two divisions. Whereas at some times (and in some places) a Corps of two divisions was sufficient, at other times 5 or 6 divisions were necessary. Therefore, under the Hindenburg regime (from summer 1916), new Corps headquarters were created without organic divisions. These new Corps were designated General Commands for Special Use ().
Commanders The 53rd Corps had the following commanders during its existence:
Commander From To Generalleutnant Konstanz von Heineccius 31 August 1916 8 March 1917 General der Kavallerie Manfred von Richthofen 8 March 1917Von Richthofen took command on 8 March 1917 according to The Prussian Machine, but 18 November 1916 according to German War History. 18 January 1918 Generalleutnant Leo Limbourg 18 January 1918 end of the war
See also
German Army (German Empire)
References
Bibliography