3rd Division (German Empire) - Late World War I Organization

Late World War I Organization

Divisions underwent many changes during the war, with regiments moving from division to division, and some being destroyed and rebuilt. During the war, most divisions became triangular - one infantry brigade with three infantry regiments rather than two infantry brigades of two regiments (a "square division"). An artillery commander replaced the artillery brigade headquarters, the cavalry was further reduced, the engineer contingent was increased, and a divisional signals command was created.

The 3rd Infantry Division was heavily reorganized by 1918, losing all of its prewar infantry regiments. These were replaced by lower grade infantry and Landwehr infantry regiments. The division was also weaker in artillery and engineers than most other divisions. These changes reflected the division's primary role as occupation troops late in the war. Its order of battle on January 10, 1918 was as follows:

  • 6.Infanterie-Brigade:
    • Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 425
    • Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 428
    • Landwehr-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 4
  • 3.Eskadron/Grenadier-Regiment zu Pferde Freiherr von Derfflinger (Neumärkisches) Nr. 3
  • Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr. 87
  • Stab Pionier-Bataillon Nr. 112:
    • 1.Landwehr-Kompanie/Schlesisches Pionier-Bataillon Nr. 6
    • Minenwerfer-Kompanie Nr. 3
  • Divisions-Nachrichten-Kommandeur 3

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