Forgotten but not gone. This Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 245 Stele whispers stories of courage and sacrifice. It commemorates the soldiers of the Royal Saxon Reserve Infantry Regiment 245. They fought and often died in the First World War.
Let’s delve into the history of this regiment. The Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 245 was formed in Leipzig on August 25, 1914. This was part of a massive wave of new reserve units. These units were created throughout Germany. They were beyond those planned for mobilization.
Many soldiers were previously untrained supplementary reservists. Some were young war volunteers. The non-commissioned officers were mostly older, trained reservists. Many officers were “dug-outs.” These were officers brought out of retirement or semi-retirement. This included the regimental commander and all three battalion commanders.
Like other units, the Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 245 received accelerated training. This training was hampered by equipment shortages. The regiment was rushed into the Flanders offensive. The human cost was staggering.
The Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 245 was part of the 54th Reserve Division. This division saw extensive action on the Western Front. It fought in the Race to the Sea and the Battle of the Yser. The division remained in the trenchlines along the Yser until April 1915. Then it entered the Second Battle of Ypres.
The division remained in the line along the Yser into 1916. After two months in army reserve, the division returned to the trenchlines. This was in the Flanders and Artois regions. It was heavily engaged in the Battle of the Somme in 1916. The division then returned to the line in Flanders and Artois until the end of that year.
In December 1916 and January 1917, the division saw action at Verdun. Then it went to the line in the Champagne region. In May 1917, it fought in the Second Battle of the Aisne. This was also called the Third Battle of Champagne. The division went back to Verdun in August 1917. This was in response to the French offensive there. In late October, it went to Flanders. It saw action in the Battle of Passchendaele also called the Third Battle of Ypres.
The division remained in Flanders until March 1918. Then it participated in the German spring offensive. It fought in the First Battle of the Somme in 1918. This was also known as the Second Battle of the Somme. The division remained in the region. It fought against the Allied offensive known as the Second Battle of the Somme. This was also known as the Third Battle of the Somme.
The Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 245 was transferred to the 192nd Infantry Division in January 1917. The 54th Reserve Division was disbanded in September 1918. Its assets were distributed to other units.
The Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 245 Stele stands as a testament. It honors the men who served in this regiment. Their sacrifices should not be forgotten. Their story echoes through the years. It reminds us of the cost of war.