Reichswehr Lehr units?

[peter2010]

Lehr units were a feature of the German army during WWII, the Panzer Lehr Division probably being the best known example. But how old is the tradition of special demonstration units in the German armed forces? Did it exist in the Reichswehr, or even earlier? Was it a German invention?

[abaus]

There is a long tradition in the Prussian/German army of such units. The "Lehr Infanterie Bataillon" dates to 1820. So, such units were around for quite a long time.

[abaus]

There is a long tradition in the Prussian/German army of such units. The "Lehr Infanterie Bataillon" dates to 1820. So, such units were around for quite a long time.

[peter2010]

Thanks very much for your reply. Do you know where I can read more about it?

[abaus]

If you read German there is a history of the Lehr Inf. B. The third edion of this book, published in 1912 provides a comprehensive overview of the unit.

Siegert, Wilhelm "Geschichte des Lehr Infanterie Bataillons 1820 bis 1896 Mit einem Nachtrag, die Jahre 1897-1906 umfassend von Armin Witthauer" E.S. Mittler und Sohn, Berlin 1912.

Andy

[peter2010]

Hello abaus, seems to be just what I'm looking for, thanks a lot!

[abaus]

If you send me a PM with your e-mail address, I can send you a pdf (4.2 M) of the 1896 edition.

Andy

[Carl Schwamberger]

... Was it a German invention?

Interesting question. As a wlld guess I'd say not. With 4,000 years of formal military history preceding it is counter intuative the technique would not appear until the 19th or 20th Century. At the start of the American Civil War Gen Scott outlined a plan for each regular US Army regiment to provide a 'battalion' cadre upon which the newly raised militia regiments would fall in upon for a few weeks of training. The regulars were to give all ranks from the militia colonel down to private instruction in all aspects of battalion operations. The plan was stillborn when Scott was pushed aside & organization of the Federal armies placed in other hands. In WWII the US Army had 'school' or training units that were organized & equipped as any combat unit, but which remained at the training sites in the US specifcally for the advanced or specialized training of soldiers for that type of unit. In the 1930s the US Army 2d Division functioned as a test unit for the various proposals for reorganization of the division, predominatly the triangular division organization.

I also seem to recall the last Century of the rear rank in each Roman Legion as the training company for the new recruits.

[peter2010]

With 4,000 years of formal military history preceding it is counter intuative the technique would not appear until the 19th or 20th Century.

Thank you very much for the historical perspective and for the interesting example from the American Civil War, which I was unaware of. In a general sense, of course the more experienced have always trained the less experienced rather than the other way around. But is it possible that the idea of formalizing and institutionalizing the practice, and even setting up a special unit for that purpose ("Lehrbataillon") could be a German innovation?

[vonczeskow]

I know that there are several books about the Panzer Lehr Division. Does anyone know of any book or even pamphlet that covers all the Lehr units in World War II, on the German side of course. Am especially interested in Lehr units operating in Russia. I know the 900th Lehr Brigade fought in Russia during Barbarossa and in Italy at Anzio. Also towards the tail end of the war there were several Lehr Sturmgeschutz Brigades that were sent into battle in the East.
I'm not asking for anything that is way to far out there, meaning trying to cover ever moment of every Lehr Company during the war, but a book that at least covers Lehr units larger operations and just where they had been fought.

Thank you,

Brian von Czeskow