Germany & Austria, Directories of Military and Marine Officers, 1600-1918

About this collection

This collection contains more than 200 directories from the holdings of the Military History Research Institute in Potsdam, the Department Military Archives in Freiburg im Breisgau and the Naval Academy Mürwik in Flensburg. These directories primarily contain details about military components of Germany's army and navy (or of its predecessor states). Most are lists of military and naval officers in the 19th and 20th centuries and record rank and billeting information. The collection includes directories covering the Imperial-Royal Army and Navy and some from the "Militär-Schematismus des österreichischen Kaisertums" (Austrian Empire military yearbooks).

In 1871 Germany became a unified nation. The numerous armies of the independent states, grand duchies and kingdoms of the former German Confederation were combined into the Imperial Army and Navy of the newly formed German Empire. Nevertheless, the previous organizational structure is still readily apparent with the Prussian army forming the largest military entity.

What you can find in the records

The information contained in each directory varies. However, in general, the following details may be found:

• Commander-in-chief (including extensive pedigrees of the Royal Family)
• Order of Merit (bearers are indicated in the directories by a symbol of the order after their names)
• Last Name, Given Names (often abbreviated)
• Military Rank
• Army, Regiment or Unit, Garrison
• Military Service dates (when and where served)

More about using this collection

Under "Browse this collection,” you may select the desired military branch, Year Range and specific title.