GWHS Spring Battle - Post Mortum

Now that the Spring Battle is done with and I've had some time to think about it, the following are some observations/impressions of what occurred.

We assisted the Jaegers in defending their forward position on the right side of the Central Powers line. We've done this for the past two events and it seemed to be a good fit for us since both the Jaegers and us have been fielding low numbers. Also, it seemed that we were pretty much left alone and we could focus on providing support without getting directly drawn in.

Well, as I predicted, this changed with this battle. The right flank of the Central Powers line and our position was the center of focus for much of the Allies' efforts and especially with the Russians, assisted by the French and the Americans.

Making the situation worse, the Central Powers was seriously short-handed so we were forced to take up a defensive posture to the point where we were unable to maintain any sort of steady presence in no-man's land. This in turn allowed the Allies to take up positions relatively close to our sector with no fear of their plans being disrupted.

Worse, we had very few grenade simulators and what ones we had were made from wooden Easter eggs that proved to be too light to be able to be thrown far. In short, unless the enemy was directly on top of us, grenades were pretty much useless....

Which ties in with the Allied use of large quantities of smoke bombs capable of generating massive amounts of smoke (the smokes they used were of a variety meant for use in paintball and they're a short step down from the military issue M18 smoke grenades. In short, these were NOT the usual cheap firework stand variety smoke bombs that give off very little smoke.

The smoke was so intense that we had problems breathing and we were too busy trying to put out any fires to be able to devote ourselves to keeping alert for the enemy. The Allies were every quick in cutting through what barbed wire defenses there were (the front line had been extended with a cursory stringing of barbed wire that was in no adequate for the job).

With everything going on, it was impossible to deploy grenades and even basic shooting was impossible. And to top things off, the Russians were using a flamethrower (actually a glorified supersoaker done up to look semi period-correct). Basically, we were driven off the position and the Allies were able to punch through and reach the Central Powers main line.

It was a pretty dismal affair, there is no doubt about that. Bu at the same time, what did we learn from thins?

Well....

1. Better simulators- We need better grenade simulators and specifically, potato-masher grenades. These are not the easiest to reproduce but they have the heft to be thrown further and with luck, we can use these to disrupt their assaults.
   
   
2. Tactical positions- Integrating the forward listening/observation posts with the main battle line so they can be reinforced and there's a way to either advance or retreat that doesn't require moving over open ground.
   
   
3. More and better wiring- What we had was inadequate for the job and it took little effort for the Allies to cut through the defenses and then rush the bunker directly.
   
4. Greater presence in no-man's land- A more aggressive policy in regard to no-man's land. We need to conduct periodic sweeps. We have be eliminated or drive back BUT at least the Allies will not be able to operate close to our lines in perfect safety with little fear of us doing anything.
   
5. Increased vigilance- it's all too easy to not be paying attention and while we're relaxing, the enemy is sneaking up on us.
   
   
6. Better overhead defenses- It's critical that further installation of overhead cover be completed in order to secure better defenses against flying smoke bombs, grenades, and flashers. This means overhead cover and a less exposed position.
   
   
7. And of course, having more people attending the event (pretty obvious).

So there it is. We got hammered hard and it was a good lesson on how NOT to defend an exposed position. Hopefully we can get this right by the next event!

Horrido!

Gas attack on the Central Powers lines.

The 1916 Uniform

With the war dragging on with no foreseeable end in sight, the German Army had to readjust its procurement practices. At the outbreak of the war, German (and by extension Bavarian) uniforms were elaborate in terms of trims, insignia and other style characteristics that indicated what exact regiment or corps that the wearer belonged to. Even with the introduction of the feldgrau uniform starting in 1907, trims and insignia could still be elaborate. In many instances, it was considered to be excessive yet the German War Ministry allowed it as a concession to the force of tradition. 

However,by 1915 it had become quite obvious that given the increasing manpower needs of the army combined with growing shortages of various basic materials such as wood, cloth dyes, metals, and the like, it was evident to all that changes were going to have to be made in uniform/clothing production if the ever-expanding army was to be adequately clothed. In response, the German War Ministry started work on a new set of uniform regulations that were ultimately released in 1916. The most notable reform was the introduction of the 1915 Bluse. 

Essentially the Bluse was an extremely simplified tunic that used no metal except for the shoulder buttons, side belt hooks, and rear belt ramps. Also, what metal buttons that were used were all of a common pattern and the distinct right and left-facing Bavarian "lion" buttons were no longer to be used. Finally, the buttons were to be dulled with a brown-colored coating or painted over in a feldgrau color. Also, somewhat over-optimistically, a "peacetime" uniform was also provided for that was more elaborate and intended for use solely for parade and formal occasions. From what can be determined, few of these were produced on an official level and what examples that do survive were private purchase items. 

Interestingly enough, facing colors for many regiments were changed wholesale and this included the 2 Chevauleger Regiment. Whereas before, the regiment's official facing color was a carmine red, it was now an orange red or "orange rot" trimmed in a dark green piping (think hunter green). While the facing color was to be used on the formal "parade" uniform, it was also indicated for use on the shoulder boards, the only item remaining that distinguished the wearer's unit and these were to also be worn with the Bluse. Below is an illustration of the ideal, per the 1916 regulations:

The 2 Chevaeulger formal uniform is pictured on the left, the everyday field uniform on the right.

This is quite a difference in contrast with the previous regulations which are illustrated in this post.


The 1916 uniform regulations were formally instituted per War Ministry order in March 1915 for the Prussian Army (which pretty much included most of the contingents from the various minor German states making up the German Empire) and March 1916 for the Bavarians (who were always a bit behind either out of stubbornness or in an attempt to economize by not changing).

In practical terms, this did not mean that instantly the old uniform was discarded. Rather, like all armies, they used up whatever stock was on hand of older pattern clothing and slowly introduced the new patterns. In fact, one can find many instance of prewar uniform being used all the way up to the end of the war in 1918. In the case of the 2 Chevauleger, one tends to see them using their 1910 tunics or Ulankas all the way up to 1918; it seemed that the men did not willingly want to let go of them. The 1916 uniform regulations marked a dramatic shift both for the German Army in particular, and armies in general in that it reflected that the First World War was the first modern war where the heraldry of uniforms with their elaborate, often colorful,insignia and trims were to give way to more sober and practical styles based on utility and ease of production.

Horrido!  

Chevauleger Josef Mühlbauer

In the course of doing living history and reenactment, it's easy to lose sight of just who the original soldiers that made up the 3 Eskadron, 2 Chevaulger Regiment. One such soldier is Chevauleger Josef Mühlbauer who died on July 28, 1917 in Northern France, somewhere in the vicinity of Lauwin-Planque.

Josef Mühlbauer was born on October 17, 1892 in Rettenbach, a town just east of Regensburg and was only 25 when he died. What really makes this even more sad (all deaths in war are sad in their way) is that Chevauleger Mühlbauer died of injuries sustained to the skull when he was kicked in the head by a horse. Not shells, bullets, bombs, poison gas, or even bayonets...no, an injury from a horse. What's ironic is that no doubt Chevauleger Mühlbauer was an experienced cavalryman and in theory should never have sustained such an injury. However, in handling horses, it's all too easy for the most experienced person to get seriously hurt or even killed by a horse (I can attest to this through experience, having handled horses for some 20 years myself). It's all so senseless. Chevauleger Mühlbauer is buried here at the Kriegsgräberstätte in St.-Laurent-Blangy.

Here is the stammrolle page for Chevauleger Mühlbauer:

RIP

Romagne-sous-les-Côtes

Carrier pigeons were one form of communication that was widely used during the First World War. According to the regimental history, from July 18, 1916 to August 10, 1916, a carrier pigeon station was established at Romagne and was garrisoned with 1 officer, 2 NCOs, 4 enlisted men and 8 horsess. The men posted were Oberleutenant Spiegelberger, Sergeant Donhauser, Sergeant Kuhlen and the Chevaulegers Weber, Kamsperger, Auerhammer and Winter.

Below are some pictures of the town:

Panoramic View of the Town.

The Town of Romagne

 · · 

The Spanish Rider Circus...

Saint Benoît-en-Woëvre

The town of Saint Benoît-en-Woëvre was home for the 2 Chevauleger Regiment for roughly a year and a half, from December 12, 1914 to July 14, 1916. The town was also site of the headquarters for the III Bavarian Corps and no doubt, the regiment was involved in dispatch riding and providing manpower for the Feldgendarmerie. Saint Benoît was also the headquarters for the III Bavarian Corps. Below are a few pictures that I found to illustrate this:

Nicknamed the "Schloss" (or castle), the German Army utilized a structure that had once been a monastery as the headquarters for the III Bavarian Corps during the Battle of Verdun as well as using it for a field hospital. 

Front View

Another view from the front

Entrance to Headquarters, III Bavarian Corps. The Guard boxes are impressive.

Another view...

Feldpost Station

Back of the Schloss - Note the ambulances.

In  use as a field hospital.

The Schloss today- mostly in ruins.

On Leave....

Preparations are firmly in hand for the upcoming GWHS Spring Offensive...in the  meantime, Chevauleger Landschultz is enjoying some of the local attractions back home before leaving for the front...

Preparing for the Spring Offensive

I've been silent here for a couple of weeks but real life has a way of creeping up on you...anyway, I have not been completely idle and I am in the process of building up the unit's stockpile of loaner gear in anticipation of the upcoming GWHS Spring Battle that is scheduled for the weekend of March 27-29, 2015. Once I obtain the necessary items, I then apply the official unit markings, something that every unit in the German Army did to much of their equipment, at least for items made from textiles.

Miscellaneous Equipment- Y-Straps, Bayonet Frog, and two Bread Bags

Rucksack and Y-Straps

It's been a slow process, subject to the availability of funding but it's important to maintain and improve. It's my hope that eventually some of these items will be sold to new members (and no, I will not be making any money off of this, just recovering my initial costs) and thus eliminate the uncertainties of purchasing that can happen when individual members are trying to obtain their uniform and kit.

See you at the battle!

Horrido!

The 2 Chevauleger Regimental History - Part Four - The Battle of Flanders

Below is the fourth installment of the 3 Eskadron, 2 Chevauleger Regiment's wartime service. This installment covers most of the 1917 and during this time, the 3 Eskadron spent most of its time in Flanders. Enjoy!

  The Battle of Flanders

(May 27, 1917 - July 3, 1917)

Nevertheless, while we had suffered one defeat after another in both East than in the West, at Arras on the Aisne and in the Champagne the Allied breakthrough attempts had failed - their seßten(?) its attacks on the Western Front persistent sort (?). Above all, the British attacked on the Flanders Front because of the bases used against England in the U-Boart war. The British actually managed to build mining works that undermined our front in the Ypres Salient without our noticing and on July 7, 1917 blew it up in the air.

Our brave 3^rd Bavarian Infantry Division, fighting at Whyschaete and Messines, was severely mauled and was no longer able to hold the position so new divisions had to be brought in as reserves. On September 9, 1917, the 6^th Bavarian Infantry Division was  moved from the west, from the position at Douai, and was initially was reorganizing and preparing in the Army Group Reserve in the rear area of the Group Vimy. During this time from September 9, 1917 to September 19, 1917, the 3^rd Squadron was reorganizing in Bruille les Marchiennes and finally was completely gathered and formed.

On September 18, Crown Prince Rupprecht visited all the troops of the 6^th Bavarian Infantry Division at Lallaing and had some kind words of encouragement for each officer and man.

On September 20, the Division was transported to Thourout and positioned behind the left wing of the Group Diksmuide. It has been the preferred division to position at Staden at the front because of it excellent performance.

On August 20 in Douai, the 3^rd  Squadron was loaded and transported by way of Seclin - Lille - Kortrnk - Thielt  to Lichterfelden where they arrived entrained on September 21 at 11:15. On the same day they arrived in Belegem and moved into quarters

While the Division was initially engaged, the division had to endure heavy fighting at Langemarck, the Squadron was, for the most part, re-distributed to the various regiments and detachments, while the remainder of the squadron stayed with the baggage from September 22, 1917 to September 30, 1917. From October 1, 1917 through October 9, 1917, it was stationed at Hoogledede - North.

On the night of September 27/September 28, there was an aerial attack and a bomb struck the Division Headquarters in Gits. The division commander General - Major Freiherr Von Godin fell a victim to the bomb Not quite a year before, he had commanded the 6^thBavarian Infantry Division as its newly appointed commander. Captain d'Hengeliere escaped death by accident and Major b. R. Krik of our regiment died a few days later due to his serious injuries. With it, our regiment lost a dear friend, in war as well as peace he was not only a good mate, but also a loyal friend to all members of the regiment. He was one of those rare people who had no enemies.

At 6:00 am on October 4, 1917 after a short but immensely powerful artillery preparation of the front line, the British attacked accompanied by tanks. Storm, rain and fog hampered the work of our airmen and artillery so that elements of the division were thrown back to Poelkappelle. But again, the enemy was stopped and prevented from breakthrough although the infantry had suffered such heavy losses that they had to be replaced on October 9 by the 227^th Infantry Division.

During these battles, the squadron was constantly forced to lie under observed heavy artillery fire. On October 5, the squadron lost 1 horse due to heavy artillery projectiles crashing into a Fortified position. The Chevaulegers present in the barn were thrown aside by the air pressure, but suffered no injuries.

The activities of the squadron in the Flanders Battle were fully recognized. In particular, our dispatch riders worked perfectly and never failed, but they performed their service under the most severe and difficult conditions up to the infantry's front line. The Iron Cross First Class was awarded to Oberleutnant b. Res Reis and 12 Iron Cross Second Class were awarded for deserving NCOs and enlisted men.

From October 10, 1917 from the Division was again specifically assigned to the 6^th Army Group Souchez. On October 10, the 3^rd Squadron moved to Bekegem by way of Thourout -Sparappelholtz (?) and was loaded onto a train on October 11 in Wynendale. The journey went through Kortrick - Lille - Orchies and then Flines, where the squadron unloaded and proceeded by an overland march to their new accommodations in Annoeullin where they were stationed from December 4, 1917 through January 18, 1918.

During this time a detachment of the squadron was familiarized with trench warfare and beseßte (?) especially and the Divisional artillery observers went pleasure riding and familiarization with the lance.
 

On December 9 and December 15, the armistices with Russia and Romania, respectively, went into effect. There was now no longer any doubt, bass OHL would take the initiative on the Western Front with a vengeance and deliver a blow against the Allies. Right now, it was doubly painful for our squadron since its strength had been reduced to 100 horses.

As of January 19, 1918, Squadron strength was reduced by Officer-Deputies Weber and Teeselder, V.W., Sergeant-Pilots Knopfe and and Böhm, 4 corporals (Gefreiter), 42 enlisted men and 28 horses to the Horse Hospital, III Bavarian Armee Korps. It was only with feelings of sadness and melancholy that these comrades parted from their old squadron with which they were connected to death and in life.

On the same day, the division was withdrawn to train for the upcoming big attack. The 3^rd Squadron rode over to Carvin - Camphine in their new accommodations at Tourmignies, where it remained throughout the training period until February 7, 1918.

When the 6^th Bavarian Division replaced the 187^th Infantry Division, it was deployed again under Group Auber and the 3^rd Squadron relieved the 5^th Squadron of the 16^th Dragoon Regiment in Falubourg de Porte and remained here from February 8, 1918 through February 23, 1918.

Already on February 22, 1918, the Squadron was again relieved by 1^st Squadron of the 1^st Jaeger-zu-Pferde Regiment. The division was placed in OHL Reserve and rated as a I-A Division within the meaning of the OHL Order No. 6050, supplemented. The 3^rd Squadron moved over to Ronchin - Merchin after Gainghin and remained there until the beginning of the great battle (i.e. Kasierschlacht).

 

The 2 Chevauleger Official History - Part Three - The Battle of Arras

Below is the third installment of the 3 Eskadron's history during the First World War. While much of this is sparse on specific details, we do learn of two casualties of which one, ironically enough, was due to being kicked in the head by a horse, resulting in death. RIP, Chevauleger Mühlbauer.

One interesting detail is that it indicates that the 3 Eskadron was first issued stahlhelms in July 1917. Interestingly enough, the author notes that if there was any wind, a noise was created in the helmet that interfered with the wearer's hearing- this was a pretty common complaint and it ultimately led to the development of the 1918 pattern stahlhelm with the cut-out ears (aka the incorrectly named "cavalry" helmet). Production models were made for testing and evaluation but the war ended before this could be implemented.

Here it is:

 The Battle of Arras

May 2, 1917 – May 20, 1917

When the great offensive of the British broke out at Arras, a number of divisions were transported into the sector with great haste to prevent the impending breakthrough. On May 3, 1917, the 6^th Bavarian Infantry Division was pulled from winter position/Army group Reserve south of Lille in the area of Raches-Flines (northeast Douai). However, it was mainly through the counter-attack of the 3^rd Bavarian Infantry Division during the period from April 10, 1917 to April 25, 1917, with its magnificent heroic commander Gilt. Von Wenninger,[1] that the breakthrough of the English at Monchy was sealed off. On the night of May 12, 1917 through May 13, 1917 the 5^th and 6^th Bavarian Infantry Divisions were relieved from their positions at Fresnon (?) so that the units from Group Vimy could assume their positions (?).

On May 5, 1917, our 3^rd Squadron was relieved by the 3^rd Squadron, 16^th Hussar Regiment and moved forward to legitimate accommodation[2]. However, the stables had to be disinfected because of Mange/Scabies. As of May 13, 1917, the date on which the division (6^th Bavarian Infantry Division?) was in position until September 8, 1917, the Squadron was in Fliers. In addition to the principal fighting, the Squadron provided reporting services and forward observation services for corps and divisional bombardments. In the bombardments, officers and warrant officers were rotated in appropriate time periods.[3]

On May 27, 1917 there was a victim of aerial bombing in the squadron: Chevauleger Toh.(?) Muhldorfer was killed at 5:30 in the afternoon in Quiry la Motte. He was buried in Beaumont (?). On July 28, 1917 Chevauleger Mühlbauer suffered a fractured skull by a blow from a horse and died shortly thereafter. He was buried in Lauwin-Planque.

In July 1917, the dispatch rider was equipped with the famous steel helmet[4]. With its fine outer shape, the steel helmet was very becoming and not remembered little of the types of military headgear worn by the riders of our regiment to Mar Emmanuel times (?). It offered protection against shrapnel under shrapnel, but the rider had the disadvantage of a disturbing bass [sound] that was especially heard [loud] in wind – an impediment, especially for our dispatch rider and patrols, which were dependent in many respects on hearing.[4]

A new branch of education must also now be practiced in the cavalry, because henceforth the squadrons were equipped with a machine gun platoon. Unfortunately, this equipment was only available to a small extent for implementation.[5]

[1] Gilt von. Wenninger and our regiment were particularly close, as he had commended the 6^th Cavalry Brigade in Regensburg in the years 1911-13. He later died a hero's death.

[2] Perhaps the squadron was living out in the field and finally they rotated into quarters. Unfortunately, it appears that whatever was being used as stables for the horses was infested with mange mites and had to be disinfected.

[3] The language is a bit sketchy but it appears that officers and warrant officers were being detailed for duty as artillery observers for both divisional artillery and corps artillery in the sector (6^th Armee). Also, it appears that the squadron was providing “observation services” which appear to be part of their normal duties as the division’s reconnaissance element.

[4] One of the most common complaint about the Stahlhelm from soldiers was that a loud sound was created when it was windy that interfered with the soldier’s hearing. This problem was addressed with the 1918 pattern Stahlhelm that was equipped with cut-outs around the ears but the war ended before it could be fully implemented.

[5] It’s a little hard to tell whether this applied to the Stahlhelm or the machine gun. Most likely it’s the machine gun platoon.

The 2 Chevauleger Official History - Part Two - The Battle of the Somme

And now, freshly translated, is Part 2 in the history of the 3 Eskadron, 2 Chevauleger Regiment during the First World War. As you no doubt have discerned, the 3 Eskadron was primarily involved in rear area support activities to include dispatch riding, Feldgendarmerie duties, manning carrier pigeon stations, and a variety of other routine duties. This only confirms what I have believed all along and while these duties are not glamorous, they all had an element of danger due to poison gas, shellfire, and small arms fire and the 3 Eskadron, along with the entire regiment, sustained casualties although nowhere on the scale as their infantry comrades.

The 3 Eskadron participated in the Battle of Verdun from July 15, 1916 through September 14, 1916 when they were then ordered, along with its parent formation, the 6 Bavarian Infantry Division, to assigned to the 6th Army in the Somme region. From September 15, 1916 through May 6, 1917, the 3 Eskadron served in a variety of locations in the Somme regions as part of the 6th Army.

The narrative is somewhat confusing and ambiguous in places in that the dates do not completely coincide in various places as to the 3 Eskadron's whereabouts and details are often vague as to what exactly the Eskadron was doing. With that in mind, below is the nex installment of the 3 Eskadron's story:

For spring, the Allies had a simultaneous attack on the east and west, planning to smash between this great pliers the German army. The German attack on Verdun had put a huge spanner in the works of our enemies. So it was because of this that the Allied attack took place much later than planned, and had not the destructive force which he had at the beginning of the year. By the end of June, when the Battle of Verdun was already dying down, the Western powers launched their major attack against the German Western Front resulting in some not insignificant local successes. However, the planned breakthrough failed due to the tenacious will of our leadership and the bravery of our troops.

When the battle of the Somme had reached its climax, the 6^th Bavarian Infantry Division was brought in mid-September 16 in the area of Flers to hastily to replace the 4^th Bavarian Infantry Division. On September 18, the 6^th Bavarian Division was again assigned to their actual General Command, III Bavarian Armee Korps. The division had already experienced heavy fighting when in the afternoon of September 25, the storm broke and the English assaulted Guendecourt-Lesboeufs after a two-hour drumfire barrage. The lines of the 6^th Bavarian Infantry Division had already been greatly thinned, and on September 26 they were completely forced in a major attack with a formation of tanks. In the face of strong opposition, there was a retreat to the previous position at Allaines. On the same day, the replacement of the division by the 7^th Reserve Division began, though the staff and some troops remained until September 30 in the sector.

On the evening of September 14, our 3^rd Squadron under Captain d’Hengeliere was positioned at Harricourt (Argonne) and on September 15, and at 1 am (?) was ordered to move to the front at Busigny after being transported to Caudry by way of Sedan – Mezieres – Hirlon. By 1 pm, the movement was completed after a 6 ½ hour march, the squadron reached its accommodations at Neuville Bourjouval. Here they replaced the 5^th Squadron, 3^rd Chevauleger Regiment (Duke Wilhelm Ludwig of Bavaria). In short, during the great battle, the dispatch riders did their duty to the utmost and the squadron also provided observation and provost marshall/policing (Feldgendarmerie) services. 1 NCO and 9 enlisted men were assigned to the 29^th Aeronautical Detachment. Throughout the great battle our brave Chevaulegers did their often very thankless service and they could not have done better.

As the 6^th Bavarian Infantry Division was gradually relieved, so was our 3^rd Squadron which was relieved by the 2^nd Squadron of the 6^th Bavarian Reserve Cavalry Regiment. The squadron moved to Havrincourt and were quartered in the well-known magnificent, if rather overdone, castle of a French industrialist.[1] On October 1, the squadron marched to Thun St. Martin by way of Marcoing-Cambrai and on October 2, having passed through Bonoignies; on October 3 the Squadron went into its winter quarters at Noyelles les Seclin, where they remained until the Battle of Arras on May 6, 1917.

While the 6^th Bavarian Infantry Division was stationed at the front, the squadron had to make itself available to the immense local department commands: the Feldgendamerie, light signal service, and to raise crops. As of November 1, 1916, the detachment consisted of:

Officers	NCOs	Enlisted	Horses	Command
1 (d'Hengeliere)		1	2	Division Staff (2. General Officer)
1 (Stark)		1	2	Division Staff (Ordnance Officer)
1 (Spiegelberger)		1	2	Stock Inspection (presumably remount horses) - Chateau-Bourgh
	2	26	17	Division Staff (Reporting Service - presumably dispatch riders)
		5	6	11th Infantry Brigade (Reporting Service - presumably dispatch riders)
		5	5	12th Infantry Brigade
1 (Reif)	3	10	6	Ortskommandantura - Novelles
1 (Wirth)		1	2	Ortskommandantura - Wicres
	1	11	12	Ortskommandantura - Avelin (Bahnsch.)
	1	10	11	Ortskommandantura - Templemars (Bahnsch.)
	1	10	11	Ortskommandantura - Pont a Marq (Bahnsch.)
	1	3	4	Ortskommandantura - Sainghin (Feldgendamerie.)
	1	3	4	Ortskommandantura - Gondrecourt (Feldgendarmerie)
	1	4	5	Ortskommandantura - Marquillies (Feldgendarmerie)
		2	2	Ortskommandantura - Don (Feldgendarmerie)
		1	1	Ortskommandantura - Chateau du Bois (Feldgendarmerie)
	1	3		Light Signal Service
		1	2	Hydraulic Officer (Water pumping?)
5	12	98	94
The total strength of the Squadron was, however:
7 (Including doctor and veterinarian)	18	150	166

From October 12, Captain d'Hengeliere commanded the division headquarters, first filling in for the furloughed Second General Staff Officer and then for a period as assistant adjutant. Finally on December 6, 1916, he announced that he was not commanding the squadron and that he was now Division Adjutant in division headquarters. Later, on February 9, 1918, before the great battle in France[2], Rittmeister d'Hengeliere took command of the I Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment which he led with distinction until October 4, 1918.

Oberleutnant von Brentanno was appointed on October 14, 1916 as an experienced Ordnance-Officer to the General Command, III Bavarian Armee Corps.

The leadership of the squadron took first went to Lt. D R Reif and from December 17, 1916 from Captain Fehn. On August 17 Officer Deputy Eifenbarth was assigned to the squadron from the Replacement Depot squadron (Ersatz Eskadron) but he had to be returned due to illness.

In addition to the detachments described in detail above, the squadron had to meet a number of other issues during the winter 19-17. From December 27, 1916, the squadron had a detachment of 2 NCOs and 15 enlisted men build a message center in Gravelin. From January 6, 1917, Captain Fehn took over command of the squadron, assigned to provide security in the Wotan position (of the Hindenburg Line) and a number of new training courses had to be run. The gas service became considerably important as a result of the development of the gas warfare and the officers of the squadron were ordered to Infantry Regiments for training in patrolling. This came at a time when a considerable number of NCOs under enlisted men had volunteered for the Air Service. Also, because of the new armament program of the Supreme Command, it was necessary for many efficient Chevaulegers to be reassigned to industries in the homeland.

On April 20, 1917 Captain Fehn was appointed as Ordinance Officer to Division Headquarters. The leadership of the 3 Squadron was first taken over by Oberleutnant b. R. Reif and subsequently, on May 15, 1917, the leadership of the squadron was assumed by Captain Weyer of the 6^th Chevauleger Regiment.

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[1] Kaiserschlact or March Offensive

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[2] Most likely Chateau d' Havrincourt. Originally built in 1880, it was completely destroyed during the First World War. Initially, the German High Command used it as a headquarters during 1916 and later it was completely destroyed in 1917-18 in heavy the fighting since it was positioned right in the middle of the Hindenburg Line.