The Army Corps of the First World War

The Army Corps of WW1 were large organisational formations used to manage divisions, artillery and logistical support. In 1914 there was an expectation of a small Expeditionary Force with no need for any formation larger than a division. This idea was soon disabused and several Corps came into existence. As the war progressed, the British formed many Corps across the theatres and campaigns. This is a brief history of each Corps, with profiles of commanders, a list of Divisions in each Corps, battle honours and headquarter locations. It does not cover units and regiments, such as the Tank Corps or Royal Army Medical Corps that have Corps in their titles. Recommended reading for those who wish to find out more about the British Armies hierarchy during the Great War include these reference works are also published by the Naval & Military Press. A Record of the Battles and Engagements of the British Armies in France and Flanders by Capt. E. A. James A survey, in chronological order, of all battles, actions, engagements etc. published by the Battles Nomenclature Committee in 1921, showing which formations took part, down to brigade level. British Regiments also by the then Brig. E. A. James One of the most used and most useful works of reference on the Great War ever published. In this marvellous volume is listed every cavalry and Yeomanry regiment, every battalion of every infantry regiment - Regular, Territorial or other - that existed during the Great War. Order of Battle of Divisions compiled by Major A. F. Becke These five volumes give details of every division with its component brigades, battalions, artillery, engineers, medical support etc., units and record of any changes. There are also organisational tables for divisions in the various theatres of war. Included are the names of GOCs and brigade commanders and senior staff officers. Each division has a brief history listing the operations and battles in which it was engaged and the corps to which it was subordinated at the time.