21 Corps

The corps was created for the Monarchy’s great Tyrolean offensive of 1916 from the 44th Rifle Division and the Kaiserschützen Division. In the fall of 1916, it was commanded to repel the Romanian invasion, but then its composition also changed: it included the 37th and 72nd divisions. During 1917, the troops assigned to the corps changed frequently, but the corps remained in Transylvania in the 1st army. They returned to Tyrol in March 1918, when the 3rd Cavalry and 56th Rifle Divisions were in its staff. At that time they were part of the 10th Army.

The details have significance in terms of the badges and letter seals that can be linked to the division. The well-known, beautiful rectangular insignia of the corps with the year 1916 may have been made during the Tyrol offensive. The motif also refers to this event: a helmeted, armored warrior protecting Tirol with his shield. The letter seal, on the other hand, is more of a 1918 motif: in its main features, it is very reminiscent of the well-known eagle Kappenabzeichen of the 10th Army, which I have already presented (here).

I have attached a postcard reminding me of the corps badge in the post. It also shows medieval knights in armor with the multiply-headed dragon personifying the enemy.