23rd Division (German Empire)
| 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 |
Franco-Prussian War: Gravelotte, Beaumont, Sedan, Paris
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. The division was headquartered in Dresden. The division was subordinated in peacetime to the XII (1st Royal Saxon) Army Corps (XII. (1. Königlich Sächsisches) Armeekorps).
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. It became the 1st Infantry Division No. 23 on April 1, 1867 and the 1st Division No. 23 on April 1, 1887. 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 of 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.
Saxony fought as an ally of Austria in the Austro-Prussian War. The Saxon Army Corps, including the 1st and 2nd Saxon Divisions, fought in several of the war's battles, including the decisive Battle of Königgrätz. In the Franco-Prussian War, Saxony was allied with Prussia. The 23rd Infantry Division fought in the battles of Gravelotte and Beaumont, and in the major Battle of Sedan. It then participated in the Siege of Paris.
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