Imagine ranks of soldiers marching. They are part of Infanterie-Regiment 183. This regiment has a rich history. Today, we remember the fallen members of Infanterie-Regiment 183.
Infanterie-Regiment 183 holds a place in Saxon military history. Its story is interwoven with broader conflicts. This includes those that shaped Germany.
One notable regiment was the 5th Infantry Regiment No. 104. It later became the 5th Royal Saxon Infantry Regiment “Kronprinz” No. 104. This regiment’s roots trace back to December 7 1704.
In 1914, the garrison for the 5th Royal Saxon Infantry Regiment “Kronprinz” No. 104 was in Chemnitz. The regiment was part of the XIX.(2nd Royal Saxon) Army Corps in Leipzig. It fell under the 4th Royal Saxon Division No. 40 in Chemnitz. Also under the 7th Royal Saxon Infantry Brigade No. 88 also in Chemnitz.
During World War I, on August 2 1914, the regiment mobilized. This mobilization followed the plans. Besides the active regiment, it formed a reserve battalion. The battalion had four companies. It also established two recruit depots.
On September 9 1916, the 8th Company became part of Infantry Regiment No. 392. By August 28 1918, the regiment had its own mortar company. This company was formed from elements of Saxon Mortar Company No. 40.
The regiment had replacement troops. The 1st Replacement Battalion of Infantry Regiment No. 104 was established in Chemnitz. Two of its companies joined Brigade Replacement Battalion No. 88. A 2nd Replacement Battalion of Infantry Regiment No. 104 was raised in Frankenberg. It was dissolved on November 20 1917.
The regiment had various names. From 1701, it was known as Infantry Regiment “Graf Beichlingen”. Around 1708, it became Infantry Regiment “Graf Wackerbarth”. By 1735, it was called Infantry Regiment “du Caila”. Around 1750, it was Infantry Regiment “von Niesemeuschel”. From about 1755, it was Infantry Regiment “Prinz Friedrich August”. From October 31 1756, it was Royal Prussian Infantry Regiment von Loen. After April 26 1757, it was Saxon Infantry Regiment Prinz Friedrich August. From October 6 1763, it was Infantry Regiment Kurprinz. From December 8 1763, it was Infantry Regiment Kurfürst. By February 24 1764, it was Infantry Regiment Prinz Maximilian. November 20 1813, saw it named 2nd Provisional Line Infantry Regiment. From July 7 1815, it was 2nd Line Infantry Regiment Prinz Maximilian.
From October 1 1849, it was the 2nd Infantry Brigade vacant “Prinz Maximilian”. This was a reorganization from an infantry regiment to an infantry brigade. By May 25 1866, it was the 2nd Infantry Brigade Prinz Friedrich August. From 1866, it was the 5th Infantry Regiment No. 104. Its core came from the 5th and 6th Infantry Battalions of the 2nd Infantry Brigade. This brigade was “vacant Prinz Maximilian”. From April 1 1867, it was the 5th Royal Saxon Infantry Regiment Prinz Friedrich August No. 104. Finally, from October 21 1904, it became the 5th Royal Saxon Infantry Regiment “Kronprinz” No. 104.
The Infanterie-Regiment 183 serves as a reminder of sacrifice. It embodies the spirit of those who served. Their dedication echoes through time. Let us honor their memory.