High Command of Coastal Defence


High Command of Coastal Defence was an army level command of the German [German German Army (German Empire)|Army (German Empire)|Army] in World War I. It served in Germany throughout its existence.

History

The High Command of Coastal Defence was set up on 14 April 1916, with headquarters in Hamburg, to guard against the possibility of an attack on the German coast or mainland Denmark. It was to maintain the coastal defences in a state of readiness and to assemble a defensive army if needed. It took command of all Deputy Corps Commanders bordering the sea and XVII Corps District. From September 1916, it also commanded those bordering the Netherlands. On 18 September 1918, the post of Supreme Commander was discontinued; on 1 November 1918, the High Command was taken off active status and was dissolved on 24 January 1919.

Commanders

High Command of Coastal Defence had the following commanders during its existence:
FromCommanderPreviouslySubsequently,
15 April 1916Generaloberst Ludwig von FalkenhausenArmee-Abteilung Falkenhausen6th Army
29 August 1916Generaloberst Josias von Heeringen7th Army
19 September 1918No commander

Glossary

Armee-Abteilung or Army Detachment in the sense of "something detached from an Army". It is not under the command of an Army so is in itself a small Army.Armee-Gruppe A group within an Army and under its command, generally formed as a temporary measure for a specific task.Heeresgruppe or Army Group in the sense of a number of armies under a single commander.