The history of rail brigades in Germany starts in 1866 with the Prussians, and their mobilization during the Austro-Prussian War. The brigade comprised railway engineers who were first soldiers with responsibilities extending to maintaining, repairing, building and destroying rail lines. During the 1870 Franco-Prussian War there were 5 Prussian units and 1 Bavarian field unit comprising more than two hundred soldiers and civilians. On October 1st, 1871 a railway battalion was formed and nearly 20 years later a brigade. By 1890 the brigade was assigned a depot and operating responsibilities for the Royal Prussian Military Railway (Berlin). In 1899 the training of railway troops was transferred to the army and the Royal Prussian Military Railway fell under the jurisdiction of the Corp of Transport. The Royal Prussian Military Railway comprised the line between Zossen (30 miles south of Berlin) to Juterbog, it was used for the training of the railway troops. Their responsibilities were further extended to field railways and during war would be reinforced with Landwehr troops.

Photo: Telegraphists for the Eisenbahn-Regiment II in May, 1907. The Eisenbahn-Regiment II was formed in 1866 and connected to the Royal Prussian Military Railway in Berlin.