| Unit Name: | 53rd Corps (Generalkommando zbV 53) |
| Dates: | September 1916-1919 |
| Branch: | Army |
| Battles: | World War I |
| Disbanded: | 1919 |
| Identification Symbol: | Genkdo zbV 53 |
| Identification Symbol Label: | Abbreviation |
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[1] Corps (z.b.V.)[2] 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 designatedGeneral Commands for Special Use (German: Generalkommandos zur besonderen Verwendung).
The 53rd Corps had the following commanders during its existence:[3] [4]
| Commander | From | To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generalleutnant Konstanz von Heineccius | 31 August 1916 | 8 March 1917 | |
| General der Kavallerie Manfred von Richthofen | 8 March 1917[5] | 18 January 1918 | |
| Generalleutnant Leo Limbourg | 18 January 1918 | end of the war |