24th Division (24. 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 (1867-1899); XIX. (2nd Royal Saxon) Army Corps (1899-1919) |
Garrison/HQ | Leipzig |
Engagements |
Franco-Prussian War: Gravelotte, Beaumont, Sedan, Paris |
Franco-Prussian War: Gravelotte, Beaumont, Sedan, Paris
The 24th Division (24. Division), also known as the 2nd Division No. 24 (2. Division Nr. 24) was a unit of the Saxon and then Imperial German Army. The division was headquartered in Leipzig. Until 1899, the division was subordinated in peacetime to the XII (1st Royal Saxon) Army Corps (XII. (1. Königlich Sächsisches) Armeekorps); thereafter, it was subordinated in peacetime to the XIX (2nd Royal Saxon) Army Corps (XIX. (2. Königlich Sächsisches) Armeekorps).
The 2nd Division No. 24 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 2nd Division and from July 1, 1850 the 2nd Infantry Division. It became the 2nd Infantry Division No. 24 on April 1, 1867 and the 2nd Division No. 24 on April 1, 1887. On mobilization for World War I in August 1914, it again became the 2nd Infantry Division No. 24, although it was for convenience referred to outside of Saxony as the 24th Infantry Division or the 24th (2nd 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 western Saxony, especially around Leipzig.
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 24th 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.