3rd Army (German Empire)
The 3rd Army was an army level command of the German [German German Army (German Empire)|Army (German Empire)|Army] in World War I. It was formed on mobilization in August 1914 seemingly from the II Army Inspectorate. The army was disbanded in 1919 during demobilization after the war.
History
Upon the mobilization Max von Hausen was given command of the 3rd Army which mainly consisted of Saxons. The army participated in the Battle of the Frontiers, mainly in the Battle of Dinant and the Battle of Charleroi and the army were responsible for the destruction of Reims in September 1914. When the 2nd Army retreated after the First Battle of the Marne, Hausen saw his flank exposed and ordered a retreat. Upon the stabilization of the front on the river Aisne, Hausen was relieved of his command and replaced by General Karl von Einem.Repulsing the French First Battle of Champagne from February–March and Second Battle of Champagne 1915 respectively, the 3rd Army took part in all three battles of the Aisne and defeated the Fourth Army part of Army Group Centre during the Second Battle of the Aisne as part of the Nivelle Offensive from 16 April – 15 May 1917.
Einem's right flank units participate in the Champagne-Marne offensive on 15–17 July 1918 supporting the east flank of the 1st Army. After suffering severe casualties in battle with the American Expeditionary Force from 26 September – 11 November in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, the army was forced to retreat northwards shortly before the war ended, when it was part of Heeresgruppe Deutscher Kronprinz.
Commanders
The 3rd Army had the following commanders during its existence:| From | Commander | Previously | |
| 2 August 1914 | Generaloberst Max von Hausen | Saxon Minister of War | Adjutant to his Majesty the King of Saxony |
| 12 September 1914 | General der Kavallerie Karl von Einem | VII Corps | Retired |
| 27 January 1915 | Generaloberst Karl von Einem | VII Corps | Retired |
Glossary
- Armee-Abteilung in the sense of "something detached from an army". It is not under the command of an army being a small army.
- Armee-Gruppe a group within an army and under its command, generally formed as a temporary measure for a task.
- Heeresgruppe several armies under a commander.