II Cavalry Corps (German Empire)


The II Cavalry Corps was a formation of the German [German German Army (German Empire)|Army (German Empire)|Army] in the First World War. The corps was formed on mobilization of the German Army in August 1914 and dissolved 23 January 1915 as the onset of trench warfare in the west negated the requirement for large cavalry formations. It was commanded throughout its existence by General of the Cavalry Georg von der Marwitz.

Combat chronicle

Initially on the Western Front with the 2nd, 4th and 9th Cavalry Divisions preceding the 1st and 2nd Armies. Withdrawn to Belgium at the end of November 1914; dissolved 23 January 1915.

Order of Battle on mobilisation

The Corps consisted of three cavalry divisions without corps troops; in supply and administration matters, the cavalry divisions were autonomous. The commander was only concerned with tactics and strategy, hence his title of Senior Cavalry Commander Höherer Kavallerie-Kommandeur.
On formation in August 1914, the corps consisted of:
Each cavalry division consisted of three cavalry brigades, a horse artillery detachment with three four-gun batteries, a machine gun detachment, plus pioneers, signals and a motor vehicle column. A more detailed Table of Organisation and Equipment can be seen [TOE, German Empire|German Cavalry Division, August 1914|here]. The Jäger battalions each consisted of four light infantry companies, a machine gun company, a cyclist company and a motorised vehicle column.

Commanders

II Cavalry Corps was commanded throughout its existence by General of the Cavalry Georg von der Marwitz.