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
In spite of the heavy losses suffered at the Somme, Arras, and
Wytschaete the division always fought well. Its value is diminished by
the presence of a certain number of Poles who were generally ready to
desert when they had a chance. Lieut. Col. Schwerck, commanding the 51st
Infantry, received the order “Pour le Merite” after the battle of Arras.
This reward, which has been given to only six other regimental
commanders, seems to prove that the fighting value of the 11th Division
at Arras in April, 1917, was greatly appreciated by the German High
Command.
1918.
CHAMPAGNE.
1. The 11th Division rested first in the Maubeuge region, and later near
Charleville and Laon for about two months. About March 1 it relieved the
51st Reserve Division in the Butte de Mesnil. Here nothing except minor
trench raids was attempted. Most of the older men were exchanged for
young ones. It was relieved by the 88th Division April 15.
LASSIGNY.
2. April 20 it relieved elements of the 34th and 37th Divisions south of
Dives, (east of Lassigny). It was relieved by the 202d Division during
the night of May 22–23. It rested then for about 10 days in the Guiscard
region.
MONTDIDIER.
3. June 9 it reinforced the Montdidier-Noyon battle front south of
Thiescourt (west of Noyon). It attacked the first day of the offensive
as an attack division. It attacked on a front of 1,500 yards, with
Compiegne as its final objective (its orders were captured), but did
poorly, succeeding only in reaching Machemont—less than half way. In
this engagement it suffered heavy losses. It was withdrawn the 16th and
went to rest in the Guiscard region, where it received some 1,300
replacements.
4. The division relieved the 222d Division near Rubescourt (south of
Montdidier) July 19. In the fighting which followed, the division lost
heavily. The 10th Regiment received 300 replacements August 2; relieved
about the 12th.
5. It reentered line near Varesnes the 22d and was withdrawn the 28th.
ST. QUENTIN.
6. September 8 it came back into line southwest of St. Quentin near
Jussy. It was withdrawn about the 20th.
7. Four days later the division was identified north of St. Quentin in
the Gricourt sector; withdrawn the 2d of October.
8. It came back into line about the 12th near Barisis (south of LaFere).
The division took part in the general German retirement and was
identified successively at Remies, Mesbrecourt, Léa Ferte-Chevresis,
Monceau le Neuf, Le Herie la Vieville, St. Algis, and Champ Bouvier. It
was still in line when the armistice was signed.
VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.
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