I Corps (German Empire)

The I Corps (German: I. Armee-Korps) was a corps level command of the Prussian, and later German, Army. It existed from the formation of the North German Confederation Army in 1866 until the end of World War I in 1918.

Formation and Organization

The I Corps was formed in 1866 as part of the reorganization of the Prussian Army following the Austro-Prussian War. Its headquarters were initially located in Königsberg, East Prussia, reflecting its role in defending the eastern approaches to Prussia. The corps typically consisted of two divisions, along with supporting arms such as artillery, pioneers, and supply trains. The specific composition of the corps could vary depending on the circumstances and the strategic situation.

Pre-World War I Service

In peacetime, the I Corps served as a regional military command, responsible for the training, administration, and mobilization of troops within its assigned district. It participated in annual maneuvers and exercises to maintain readiness. The corps also played a role in maintaining internal security and order, although this was typically a secondary function.

World War I Service

Upon the outbreak of World War I in August 1914, the I Corps was mobilized and deployed to the Eastern Front as part of the German Eighth Army. It participated in the initial battles against the Russian Army in East Prussia, including the Battle of Tannenberg and the Battle of the Masurian Lakes. Throughout the war, the I Corps served primarily on the Eastern Front, fighting against the Russian, and later the Romanian, armies. It participated in numerous offensives and defensive operations, enduring heavy casualties. Following the collapse of the Eastern Front and the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918, the I Corps was transferred to the Western Front. It participated in the German spring offensives of 1918, before being involved in the defensive battles that ultimately led to the armistice.

Commanders

The I Corps was commanded by a succession of experienced Prussian and German generals throughout its existence, including:

• General der Infanterie Edwin Freiherr von Manteuffel (1866-1870)
• General der Infanterie Hermann von Goeben (1870-1871)
• General der Kavallerie Albert Prinz von Preußen (1871-1883)
• General der Infanterie Otto von Böhtlingk (1883-1888)
• General der Infanterie Alexander von Pape (1888-1893)
• General der Infanterie Karl von Zander (1893-1896)
• General der Infanterie Gustav von Kessel (1896-1902)
• General der Infanterie Oskar von Hutier (1902-1906)
• General der Kavallerie Otto von Below (1906-1914)
• Generalleutnant Erich von Falkenhayn (1914)
• General der Infanterie Curt von Morgen (1914-1915)
• General der Infanterie Bruno von Mudra (1915-1916)
• General der Infanterie Robert Kosch (1916-1918)

Disbandment

The I Corps was disbanded following the end of World War I and the demobilization of the German Army. Its constituent units were either disbanded or integrated into the new, smaller Reichswehr.