Histories of two hundred and fifty-one divisions of the German army which participated in the war (1914-1918)United States. War Department. General Staff
History
Histories of two hundred and fifty-one divisions of the German army which participated in the war (1914-1918)
United States. War Department. General Staff
Germany. Heer -- History -- World War, 1914-1918; World War, 1914-1918 -- Germany
2. It was withdrawn at that date and put through a course of training in
open warfare until March 1, when it entered line east of Reims
(relieving 203d Division), remaining in until the 15th in order to
become familiar with the terrain.
SOMME.
3. It remained in close support north of Montdidier, and finally entered
line March 28 near Hangest-en-Santerre, fighting until April 5, and
giving a good account of itself.
CHIMAY.
4. The division went through another course of training in the Chimay
area until May 27.
AISNE.
5. The division entered line in the Grivesnes sector. It fought very
well in this the Aisne offensive, immediately after which its commander,
Prince Eitel Friedrich, was promoted from colonel to major general, but
suffered exceedingly heavy losses. It was withdrawn June 7, going to
rest in the Charleroi region, where it remained until July 16.
MARNE.
6. It entered line on that date east of Dormans, and despite stubborn
resistance by the French succeeded in making some headway. July 22–23 it
moved slightly to the west, relieving the 6th Bavarian Reserve Division
near Passy-sur-Marne. It moved back, giving ground to the Allied counter
offensive, and was finally withdrawn from line north of Fere-en-
Tardenois August 5.
CRECY-AU-MONT.
7. The division rested then until August 25 in the vicinity of Rethel,
and then came into line near Crecy-au-Mont and fought until September 6.
ARGONNE.
8. September 20 the division moved eastward and relieved the 53d Reserve
Division in the Varennes sector, where it was when (Sept. 26) it was
swamped by the opening of the American Meuse-Argonne offensive. It did
not resist as strongly as it might have, and so the 5th Guard Division
moved to its support. Withdrawn on the 29th, it, in turn, returned
October 3 to support the 5th Guard. It was finally withdrawn on the 8th
after it had most of its battalions reduced to one company. It left
1,788 prisoners in our hands; its total losses probably being about
4,000.
CHAMPAGNE.
The division was identified in line farther to the west October 14 at
Olizy, and near Chestres on the 21st. It remained in line in this region
contesting the French advance until the Armistice.
VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.
Throughout the war the division was rated as one of the very best German
shock divisions. During the last year it fought a great deal and, until
the last stages, very well. It suffered severe losses, and finally, due
to the lack of effectives, it was found impossible to refill its
depleted ranks; its morale deteriorated and it did not fight well.
1st Guard Reserve Division.
COMPOSITION.
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