2nd Guards Infantry Division (German Empire)


The 2nd Guards Infantry Division was a unit in the Guards Corps of the Imperial German Army during the First World War. At the outbreak of war it was commanded by Lieutenant General Arnold von Winckler.

Origins

The division was originally established on August 11, 1813 as a grenadier brigade of four battalions. On September 5, 1818, the brigade was expanded into the 2nd Division of the Guard and Grenadier Corps and was finally given the name 2nd Guard Division on December 22, 1819.

Franco-Prussian War

In the Franco-Prussian War, the division fought in the battles of Gravelotte and Sedan and was part of the siege of Paris. Here it took part in the Battle of Le Bourget.

Imperial German Army

Order of battle: 1914