53 Corps (German Empire)

53rd Corps (Generalkommando zbV 53)
Flag of the Staff of a Generalkommando (1871–1918)
Active	September 1916-1919
Disbanded	1919
Country	German Empire
Branch	Army
Engagements	World War I

The 53rd Corps (German: Generalkommando zbV 53) was a corps formation of the German Army in World War I. It was formed in September 1916 and was still in existence at the end of the war.

The 53rd Corps (z.b.V.) was formed in September 1916. With the onset of trench warfare, the German Army recognised that it was no longer possible to maintain the traditional Corps unit, that is, one made up of two divisions. Whereas at some times (and in some places) a Corps of two divisions was sufficient, at other times 5 or 6 divisions were necessary. Therefore, under the Hindenburg regime (from summer 1916), new Corps headquarters were created without organic divisions. These new Corps were designated General Commands for Special Use (German: Generalkommandos zur besonderen Verwendung).

The 53rd Corps had the following commanders during its existence: