Histories of German Divisions in the Great War

Started by ArizonaTank, July 22, 2018, 12:49:08 PM

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ArizonaTank

Thanks to the AEF Intelligence Section and Google...the history and intel assessment of each division of the German Army in WWI. 

https://books.google.com/books?id=VfoLAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=Histories+of+Two+Hundred+and+Fifty-one+Divisions+of+the+German+Army&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiCoJDQnrPcAhVCKawKHV60CdEQ6AEIKTAA#v=onepage&q=Histories%20of%20Two%20Hundred%20and%20Fifty-one%20Divisions%20of%20the%20German%20Army&f=false

This work was completed in 1920, so I am guessing it is somewhat accurate, since they had access to German Army documents. 

It is also interesting because the book gives an assessment of the fighting capability of the divisions, and this is gaming research gold...

For example, the 1st Guards, pages 20 and 21

VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
The 1st Guard Division may be considered one of the very best German divisions.
Excellent conduct under fire.
It displayed on the Aisne as well as on the Somme energy and determination while
on the defensive.
Among its heavy losses there was an exceedingly small number of prisoners.
Again on the Aisne (April-May, 1917), it displayed remarkable military qualities.
It received important reenforcements of the younger classes (15-16-17), 30 per cent
from the class of 1917.
Its normal value was reduced temporarily on account of the arrival of elements
which had never been under fire (June, 1917).
Prisoners taken in the Argonne (June, 1917) seemed less keen for lighting.

VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.
Throughout the war the division was rated as one of the very best German Shock
divisions. During the last year it fought a great deal and, until the last stages, very
well. It suffered severe losses, and finally, due to the lack of effectives, it was found
impossible to refill its depleted ranks; its morale deteriorated and it did not fight well.

Johannes "Honus" Wagner
"The Flying Dutchman"
Shortstop: Pittsburgh Pirates 1900-1917
Rated as the 2nd most valuable player of all time by Bill James.

BanzaiCat