The German Imperial Army in the World War - Structure and Organization - Motor Vehicle Troops

After mobilization the German Army had about 4,000 motor vehicles and motorized wheels as well as tractors. Motorization was, however, only rudimentary. Even in peacetime the military leadership had at least dealt with the truck service, but only a limited number were acquired for military purposes before 1914. In addition, truck manufacturing was regulated and purchases were promoted by granting state loans; in case of war civilian vehicles were to be requisitioned. During the war vehicle production was strongly stimulated, and special trucks with anti-balloon guns and tractors for the artillery or for ammunition transport were also developed.

In 1914 the German Army partly mobilized with civilian motor vehicles, whose drivers, however, held officer rank. The truck service, on the other hand, was organized exclusively militarily.

Initially each army had a commander with a motor vehicle park, and cavalry divisions and Jäger battalions had motor vehicle columns. In 1915 motor vehicle service was reorganized and motor traffic better controlled. The cavalry and the Jägers lost their motor vehicle columns to the Etappe. Meat motor vehicle columns (in the reserve corps, dissolved again from autumn 1915) and Etappe medical motor vehicle units were formed. There were also postal motor vehicle parks (later incorporated into the army motor vehicle squadrons).

From autumn 1915 the general commands each received a corps motor vehicle column, and the divisions not associated with a corps each received their own divisional motor vehicle column.

Through reorganization from 1916 the motor vehicle troops became army troops and the exclusive fixation on the Etappe was abandoned. Extensive restructurings took place. By the end of 1916 all divisions received their own divisional motor vehicle column.

In 1917, vehicles including previously formed Jäger, cavalry, Etappe and foot artillery ammunition motor vehicle columns were consolidated into so-called army motor vehicle columns as an army reserve.

At the head of the motor vehicle troops stood (since 1916) the Field Motor Chief in the Great Headquarters, to whom the inspection of the motor vehicle troops at home also reported. Special commanders of the motor vehicle troops ensured the implementation of the Field Motor Chief's instructions at the various organizational levels.

The motor transport troops belonged to the traffic troops and their field-gray uniform was modeled on that of the railway troops.

Accordingly, in peacetime the motor vehicle battalion wore the railway troops' uniform, however with a curved red K on the shoulder straps (previously a lightning wheel). For officers the badge was made of yellow metal.

This badge and the piping were also worn on the field-gray coat.

In addition to the cloth uniform the motor drivers already had driving clothing made of leather before 1914 (in summer made of black drill).

On the collar of the leather coat a badge in the shape of an automobile made of nickel silver was worn. Cap and trousers were also made of leather.

The uniform of the many wartime formations was identical, i.e., the uniform shows the aforementioned K on the shoulder straps without additional insignia. Later, however, armbands with corresponding insignia were prescribed to allow assignment to the respective formation.

In 1918 the German Army had a total of 54oo motorbicycles available. These were organized into motorcycle rider detachments. The task of the motorcycle riders was messenger service with higher staffs and the columns. Left: Photo of Kradmessengers / motorcycle riders of the Royal Prussian Motor Vehicle Troops or of the Volunteer Automobile Corps.

In the photo shown you can see special leather clothing: leather helmet, gloves, leather jacket and special trousers as well as motorcycle goggles!