2nd Landwehr Division (German Empire)

The 2nd Landwehr Division was a reserve infantry division of the Royal Prussian Army during World War I. It was part of the German Empire. Landwehr divisions were composed of older, often less well-trained soldiers than regular army divisions and were typically used for occupation duties or secondary fronts.

The division was formed at the outbreak of World War I and initially served on the Western Front. It participated in the invasion of Belgium and France, and saw action in battles such as the Battle of the Marne. Later in the war, the 2nd Landwehr Division was transferred to the Eastern Front, where it fought against the Russian Army. It participated in various campaigns and engagements, including defensive battles and offensive operations aimed at securing territory and resources.

The division's composition and organization varied throughout the war, but typically included Landwehr infantry regiments, artillery units, and supporting arms. The quality of its equipment and the training of its soldiers were generally considered inferior to those of regular army divisions.

After the Armistice of 11 November 1918, which ended World War I, the 2nd Landwehr Division was demobilized as part of the overall disbandment of the Imperial German Army. Its personnel were discharged, and its equipment was either surrendered to the Allied powers or scrapped. The division was not reformed during the Weimar Republic or subsequent German regimes.

The 2nd Landwehr Division, like other Landwehr units, played a role in the German war effort, freeing up regular army divisions for more demanding combat roles. However, due to its composition and training, it was generally not considered an elite or highly effective fighting force.