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 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 WÜRTTEMBERG)

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 Fuß "Erstes Regiment der Christenheit"
2.Garde-Regiment zu Fuß "Die Hammel"
3.Garde-Regiment zu Fuß
4.Garde-Regiment zu Fuß "Die Moabiter Veilchen"
Kaiser Alexander-Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr.1 "Alexander", "Kartoffelschäler"
Kaiser Franz-Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr. 2 "Franzer", "Bluthunde"
Königin-Elisabeth-Grenadier-Regiment Nr.3 "Elisabether", "Kronen Esel"
Königin-Augusta-Grenadier-Regiment Nr.4 "Augustaner"
Garde-Füsilier-Regiment "Die Maikäfer"

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-Grenadier-Regiment	1.Badisches Leib Grenadier-Regiment Nr.109
(2.)Grenadier-Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm	2.Badisches Grenadier-Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm Nr.110 Renamed 2.8.1888: 2.Badisches Grenadier-Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm I Nr.110
Großherzogl.Badisches 3.Infanterie-Regiment	3.Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.111 Renamed 18.12.1892: Infanterie-Regiment Markgraf Ludwig Wilhelm (3.Badisches)Nr.111
Großherzogl.Badisches 4.Infanterie-Regiment	4.Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Wilhelm Nr.112
Großherzogl.Badisches 5.Infanterie-Regiment	5.Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.113
6.Großherzogl.Badisches Infanterie-Regiment	Kgl.Preusisches 6.Badisches 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 (Leibgarde-Regiment)	1.Großherzogl.Hessisches Infanterie-(Leibgarde) Regiment Nr.115 Renamed 28.11.1906: Leibgarde-Infanterie-Regiment (1.Großherzoglich Hessisches) Nr.115
2.Infanterie-Regiment (Großherzog)	2.Großherzogl.Hessisches Infanterie-Regiment (Groherzog) Nr.116 Renamed 5.11.1891: Infanterie-Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm  (2.Großherzoglich Hessisches) Nr.116
3.Infanterie-Regiment (Leib-Regiment)	3.Großherzogl.Hessisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.117 Renamed 15.2.1902: Infanterie-Leibregiment Großherzogin (3.Großherzoglich Hessisches) Nr.117
4.Infanterie-Regiment (Prinz Carl)	4.Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Carl (Nr.118) Renamed 28.11.1906: Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Carl (4.Großherzoglich Hessisches) Nr.118

The Württemberg army corps was incorporated as the XIII (Royal Württemberg) in the Prussian sequence on the 18th December 1871 with the regiments numbered in the sequence 119 - 126:

1.Infanterie-Regiment Königin Olga	1.Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment (Grenadier-Regiment Königin Olga) Nr.119  Renamed 14.12.1874: Grenadier-Regiment Königin Olga (1.Württembergisches) Nr.119
2.Infanterie-Regiment (Kaiser Wilhelm, König von Preußen)	2.Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment (Kaiser Wilhelm, König von Preußen) Nr.120 Renamed 14.12.1874: Infanterie-Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm, König von Preußen (2.Württembergisches) Nr.120
3.Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment	3.Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.121 Renamed 18.3.1891: Infanterie-Regiment Alt-Württemberg (3.Württembergisches) Nr.121
Infanterie-Regiment Nr.4	4.Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.122  Renamed 9.1.1892: 4.Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Kaiser Franz Joseph v.Österreich, König v.Ungarn Nr.122 Renamed 10.11.1906: Füsilier-Regiment Kaiser Franz Joseph v.Österreich, König v.Ungarn (4.Württembergisches) Nr.122
5.Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment (Grenadier-Regiment) König Karl	5.Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment (Grenadier-Regiment) König Karl Nr.123 Renamed 14.12.1874: Grenadier-Regiment König Karl (5.Württembergisches) Nr.123
6.Infanterie-Regiment König Wilhelm	6.Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment (König Wilhelm) Nr.124 Renamed 14.12.1874: Infanterie-Regiment König Wilhelm (6.Württembergisches)Nr.124 Renamed 6.10.1891: Infanterie-Regiment König Wilhelm I. (6.Württembergisches)Nr.124
7.Linien-Infanterie-Regiment	7.Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.125 Renamed 20.3.1888: Infanterie-Regiment Kaiser Friedrich, König von Preußen (7.Württembergisches)Nr.125
8.Linien-Infanterie-Regiment	8.Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.126 Renamed 25.4.1891: Infanterie-Regiment Großherzog Friedrich von Baden (8.Württembergisches)Nr.126

The XV army corps was formed in Straßburg 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, Württemberg 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 Infanterie-Regiment Nr.97	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 companies 1. -12.
Metzer Infanterie-Regiment Nr.98	From: 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 companies 1. - 12.
2.Oberrheinisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.99	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 companies 1. - 12.
Danziger Infanterie-Regiment Nr.128	From: 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 1. - 12.
3.Westpreußisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.129	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 companies 1. - 12.
1.Lothringisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.130	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 companies 1. - 12.
2.Lothringisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.131	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 companies 1. - 12.
1.Unterelsässisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.132	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 companies 1. - 12.

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 Infanterie-Regiment Nr.135	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 companies 1. - 12.
4.Lothringisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.136	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 companies 1. - 12.
2.Unterelsässisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.137	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 companies 1. - 12.
3.Unterelsässisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.138	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 companies 1. - 12.

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.

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:
 

Königs-Infanterie-Regiment (6.Lothringisches) Nr.145

From: 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 companies 1. - 12.

As at the 1st April 1890 the order of battle included the newly formed XVI. and XVII. army corps as follows:

XV. Armee-Korps (Straßburg 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.

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.
 
 

5.Garde-Regiment zu Fuß	From: IV./3.Garde-Regt.z.F., IV./Garde-Füs.Regt. as I.Batt., IV./G.G.R.Nr.3, IV./G.G.R.Nr. 4 as II.Batt.
Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr.5	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 II.Batt.
1.Masurisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.146	From: IV./1, IV./41 as I.Batt., IV./3 , IV./43 as II.Batt.
2.Masurisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.147	From: IV./4, IV./45 as I.Batt., IV./33, IV./59 as II.Batt.
5.Westpreußisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.148	From: IV./2, IV./42 as I.Batt., IV./9, IV./54 as II.Batt.
6.Westpreußisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.149	From: IV./34, IV./129 as I.Batt., IV./49, IV./140 as II.Batt.
1.Ermländisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.150	From: IV./48, IV./52 as I.Batt., IV./8, IV./12 as II.Batt.
2.Ermländisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.151	From: IV./20, IV./35 as I.Batt., IV./24, IV./64 as II.Batt.
Deutsch-Ordens Infanterie-Regiment Nr.152	From: IV./26, IV./66 as I.Batt., IV./27, IV./93 as II.Batt.
8.Thüringisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.153	From: I./96 as I.Batt., IV./96, IV./72 as II.Batt.
5.Niederrheinisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.154	From: IV./50, IV./58 as I.Batt., IV./7, IV./19 as II.Batt.
7.Westpreußisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.155	From: IV./6, IV./46 as I.Batt., IV./37, IV./47 as II.Batt.
3.Schlesisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.156	From: IV./10, IV./38 as I.Batt., IV./11, IV./51 as II.Batt.
4.Schlesisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.157	From: IV./22, IV./62 as I.Batt., IV./23, IV./63 as II.Batt.
7.Lothringisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.158	From: IV./13, IV./53 as I.Batt., IV./15, IV./55 as II.Batt.
8.Lothringisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.159	From: IV./16, IV./39 as I.Batt., IV./56, IV./57 as II.Batt.
9.Rheinisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.160	From: IV./40, IV./65 as I.Batt., IV./28, IV./68 as II.Batt.
10.Rheinisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.161	From: IV./29, IV./69 as I.Batt., IV./30, IV./70 as II.Batt.
3.Hanseatisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.162	From: IV./89, IV./90 as I.Batt., III./76 as II.Batt.
Schleswig-Holsteinisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.163	From: IV./84, IV./86 as I.Batt., IV./31, IV./85 as II.Batt.
4.Hanoversches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.164	From: IV./78, IV./91 as I.Batt., IV./73, IV./74 as II.Batt.
5.Hanoversches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.165	From: IV./79, IV./82 as I.Batt., IV./77, IV./92 as II.Batt.
Infanterie-Regiment Hessen-Homburg Nr.166	From: IV./87, IV./88 as I.Batt., IV./80, IV./81 as II.Batt.
1.Oberelsässisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.167	From: IV./94, IV./95 as I.Batt., IV./32, IV./83 as II.Batt.
5.Grossherzoglich Hessisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.168	From: IV./115, IV./116 as I.Batt., IV./117, IV./118 as II.Batt.
8.Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.169	From: IV./109, IV./110 as I.Batt., IV./25, IV./111 as II.Batt.
9.Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.170	From: IV./113, IV./114 as I.Batt., IV./112, IV./142 as II.Batt.
2.Oberelsässisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.171	From: IV./97, IV./136 as I.Batt., IV./60, IV./137 as II.Batt.
3.Oberelsässisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.172	From: IV./132, IV./138 as I.Batt., IV./99, IV./143 as II.Batt.
9.Lothringisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.173	From: IV./17, IV./144 as I.Batt., IV./98, IV./130 as II.Batt.
10.Lothringisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.174	From: IV./67, IV./131 as I.Batt., IV./135, IV./145 as II.Batt.
8.Westpreußisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.175	From: IV./14, IV./141 as I.Batt., IV./18, IV./44 as II.Batt.
9.Westpreußisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.176	From: IV./5, IV./128 as I.Batt., IV./21, IV./61 as II.Batt.

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 Fuß, Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr.5 and Regiments 152 - 154, 156 - 159, 162, 164, 167 - 170

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.

Since 1871 the following non Prussian contingent regiments had been formed (excluding Bavaria):
 

9.Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.127	1.4.1897	From: IV./123, IV./124 as I.Batt., IV./120, IV./ 126 as II.Batt.
Königl. Sächsisches 9.Infanterie-Regiment Nr.133	1.4.1881	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.
10.Königlich Sächsisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.134	1.4.1881	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.
11.Königlich Sächsisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.139	1.4.1897	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.
Königl. Sächsisches 12.Infanterie-Regiment Nr.177	1.4.1897	From: IV./100, IV./101, IV./105, IV./133
13.Königlich Sächsisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.178	1.4.1897	From: IV./102, IV./103, IV./104, IV./108
14.Königlich Sächsisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.179	1.4.1897	From: IV./106, IV./107, IV./134, IV./139
10.Königl. Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.180	1.4.1897	From:119, IV./125 as I.Batt., IV./121, IV./122 as II.Batt.
Königl. Sächsisches 15.Infanterie-Regiment Nr.181	1.4.1900	From: Jäger Bat.Nr.15 and transfers from infantry regiments
16.Königlich Sächsisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.182	1.10.1912	From: 1./133, 4./101, 10./100, 2./104, 2./107, 3./106, 3./139, 6./108, 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-Füsilier-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 Fuß, 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./Königs- 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 JÄGER BATTALIONS
Already in existence in 1871 were 21 Jäger battalions consisting of the Guard Jäger and Guard Schützen battalions plus 16 line Jäger battalions including two Saxon (Nr. 12 & 13), two from the Grand Duchy of Hesse and one from Mecklemburg-Schwerin (Nr. 14). The two Hessian Jäger battalions; 1.(Garde)-Jäger -Bataillon and the 2.Jäger-Bataillon were both converted to Füsilier battalions in Hessian regiments 115 and 118 respectively; 1.Jäger on 1.1.1872 and 2.Jäger on 25.10.1871. Additionally the state of Württemberg had three Jäger battalions; Nr.1 - 3. These were incorporated as Füsilier (III.) battalions in regiments 126, 119 and 123 respectively by the autumn of 1871. The Jäger 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.Jäger-Bataillon Nr.15. This battalion was converted on 1st April 1900 to become Königl. Sächsisches 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 3^rd on 1^st 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 Jäger 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 Jäger battalions followed in 1873 with the introduction of Prussian badges of rank to correspond with those in use in Prussia:

Prussian title	Bavarian title
Oberleutnant	Premier-Leutnant
Unterleutnant	Sekonde-Leutnant
Oberjäger*	Feldwebel
Sekondjäger*	Sergeant
Korporal*	Oberjäger
Korporal	Unteroffizier

*Jäger battalions
 

As ordered on the 24th July 1878, the formation of two new infantry regiments was authorised from six existing Jäger battalions. 16.Infanterie-Regiment was formed from Jäger battalions 2, 7 and 9 and 17.Infanterie-Regiment was formed from Jäger battalions 6, 8 and 10. A third new Infantry regiment was ordered on the 1st April 1881. The 18.Infanterie-Regiment 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 Jäger battalion 2.
III.Bataillon	Formed from Jäger 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

BAVARIAN JÄGER BATTALIONS
As previously stated, 10 Jäger 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 Jäger battalions were converted to normal line infantry battalions:
 

	2.Jäger-Bataillon	I./16
	6.Jäger-Bataillon	I./17
	7.Jäger-Bataillon	II./16
	8.Jäger-Bataillon	II./17
	9.Jäger-Bataillon	III./16
	10.Jäger-Bataillon	III./17

5.Jäger-Bataillon was renamed as 2.Jäger-Bataillon and the strength of the Jäger arm at this time was now:

1.Jäger-Bataillon
2.Jäger-Bataillon (Previously 5.Jäger)
3.Jäger-Bataillon
4.Jäger-Bataillon

In 1914 therefore the two remaining regular Jäger-Bataillonen were:

1.Jäger-Bataillon König (I.AK., 1.Div., 2.Inf.-Brig.)
2.Jäger-Bataillon (II.AK., 4.Div., 7.Inf.-Brig.)

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. Jäger Battalions since the beginning of 1900.  A further Maschingewehr-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 (Schützen-Füsilier) 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-Jäger-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. Sächs.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-Füs.Regt.
Line:	Inf.-Regt. 1 -182. (Gren.1-12, Inf.-Regt.13-32, Füs.-Regt.33-40, Inf.-Regt.41-72, Füs.-Regt.73, Inf.-Regt.74-79, Füs.-Regt.80, Inf.-Regt.81-85, Füs.-Regt.86, Inf.-Regt.87-88, Gren.-Regt.89, Füs.-Regt.90, Inf.-Regt.91-99, Gren.-Regt.100-101, Inf.-Regt.102-107, Schützen-(Füs.-)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, Füs.-Regt.122, Gren.-Regt.123, Inf.-Regt.124-182).  Lehr-Inf.Batl., Stamm-Batl. der Infanterie-Schießschule,
Jäger:	G.Jäger-Batl., G.Sch.-Batl., Jäger-Batl. 1-14
Bavaria:  :	Inf.Leib-Regt., 1.-23.Inf.Regt.,  1., 2.Jäger-Batl.

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

Hopefully this may have shed a little light on a subject not well represented in the English language. I of course welcome any comments and or corrections. Glenn.jewison@btinternet.com

Sources:

• Deutsche Infanterie "Das Ehrenmal der Vorderstenfront". Edited by v. Eisenbart Rothe, Tschischwitz and Beckmann. Published by Verlag Berhard Sporn, Zeulenroda in Thüringen 1933.
• Deutschlands Heere bis 1918 by Günther Voigt, Biblio Verlag, Osnabrück 1980.
• Formationsgeschichte des Deutschen Heeres 1815-1939 by G. Wegner. Published by Biblio Verlag, Osnabrück 1992.
• Formations-und Uniformierungsgeschichte des preußischen Heeres 1808 bis 1914 Volume 1 by Paul Pietsch. Published by Verlag: Helmut Gerhard Schulz, Hamburg 1963.
• Führer durch Heer und Flotte 1914 by B. Friedag. Reprint of the 1913 edition published by Biblio Verlag, Osnabrück 1993.
• German Infantry 1914-1918 by David Nash. Published by Almark Publications 1971.
• Organisation, Bekleidung, Ausrüstung und Bewaffnung der Königlich Bayerischen Armee von 1808 bis 1906 by Karl Müller. Reprint of the 1906 edition published by LTR-Verlag, Buchholz-Sprötze 1996.
• Ruhmeshalle unsere alten Armee by Dr. Martin Lezius and others. Published by Militär Verlag Leipzig ca. 1930.
• Historische Rang- und Stammliste des deutschen Heeres by Bredow  and Wedel. Reprint of the 1905 edition published by Verlag "Heere der Vergangenheit" J. Olmes, Krefeld 1974 and marketed by Biblio Verlag, Osnabrück.