28th Reserve Division (German Empire)
The 28th Reserve Division (German: 28. Reserve-Division) was a reserve infantry division of the Imperial German Army during World War I. It was formed on the mobilization of the German Army in August 1914 and was initially part of the XIV Reserve Corps.
The division saw action primarily on the Western Front. It participated in the initial invasion of Belgium and France, fighting in the Battle of the Marne in September 1914. Throughout 1915 and 1916, it was involved in positional warfare on the Aisne. In 1917, the division fought in the Second Battle of the Aisne (Chemin des Dames). It also saw action in the Battle of Passchendaele later that year.
In 1918, the 28th Reserve Division participated in the German spring offensive, including the Battle of the Lys. Following the failure of the offensive, it was involved in defensive battles for the remainder of the war.
The division was dissolved in 1919 during the demobilization of the German Army after the armistice.
Its composition varied slightly during the war, but generally included the following major units:
- 55th Reserve Infantry Brigade
- 56th Reserve Infantry Brigade
- Reserve Cavalry Detachment
- 28th Reserve Field Artillery Regiment
- Reserve Pioneer Company
- Reserve Medical Units
Like other German divisions of the period, the 28th Reserve Division experienced significant personnel losses throughout the war.