| 23rd Division (23. Division) | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1867-1919 |
| Country | Saxony/Germany |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Infantry (in peacetime included cavalry) |
| Size | Approx. 15,000 |
| Part of | XII. (1st Royal Saxon) Army Corps (XII. (1. Königl. Sächs.) Armeekorps) |
| Garrison/HQ | Dresden |
| Engagements | Franco-Prussian War: Gravelotte, Beaumont, Sedan, Paris World War I: Great Retreat, 1st Marne, Somme, German spring offensive, 2nd Somme, 2nd Marne |
The 23rd Division (23. Division), also known as the 1st Division No. 23 (1. Division Nr. 23) was a unit of the Saxon and then Imperial German Army.[1] The division was headquartered in Dresden.[2] The division was subordinated in peacetime to the XII (1st Royal Saxon) Army Corps (XII. (1. Königlich Sächsisches) Armeekorps).[3]
The 1st Division No. 23 was officially formed on April 1, 1867. However, this was as part of the convention which integrated the division with the Prussian-led army of the North German Confederation. The division already existed as part of the autonomous Saxon Army. It was originally formed in 1849 as the 1st Division and from July 1, 1850, the 1st Infantry Division.[4] It became the 1st Infantry Division No. 23 on April 1, 1867, and the 1st Division No. 23 on April 1, 1887.[5] On mobilization for World War I in August 1914 it again became the 1st Infantry Division No. 23, although it was for convenience referred to outside Saxony as the 23rd Infantry Division or the 23rd (1st Royal Saxon) Infantry Division. The division was disbanded in 1919 during the demobilization of the German Army after World War I.
The division was recruited in eastern Saxony, especially around Dresden.