the 5th ersatz division ("5. ersatz-division") was a unit of the german army, in world war i. the division was formed in june 1915 as a temporary division known as the division basedow, named after its commander, heino von basedow. it was formed from two previously independent brigades: 37th mixed landwehr and 2nd reserve ersatz. the division was converted into the 5th ersatz division in june 1916. the 5th ersatz division was disbanded in 1919, during the demobilization of the german army after world war i.