night of September 30-October 1. About October 12, after heavy losses,
it was withdrawn and rested near Valenciennes.
6. On October 25 it was again put in line at Rameguies-Chin. It was last
identified at Mourcourt on November 9.
VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.
The 5th Bavarian Division was a first-class division. In 1918, it was
almost constantly engaged in the most active sectors on the British
front.
5th Bavarian Reserve Division.
COMPOSITION.
─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1914 │ 1915 │ 1916
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │9 Bav. │6 Bav. │9 Bav. │6 Bav. │9 Bav. │10 Bav.
│ Res. │ Res. │ Res. │ Res. │ Res. │ Res.
│ │7 Bav. │ │7 Bav. │ │7 Bav.
│ │ Res. │ │ Res. │ │ Res.
│11 Bav. │10 Bav. │11 Bav. │10 Bav. │ │3 Bav.
│ Res. │ Res. │ Res. │ Res. │ │ Res.
│ │13 Bav. │ │13 Bav. │ │12 Bav.
│ │ Res. │ │ Res. │ │ Res.
│ │ │ │39 Ldw. │ │
│ 1 Bav. Res. Jag. │ 1 Bav. Res. Jag. │ 1 Bav. Res. Jag.
│ Btn. │ Btn. │ Btn.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Cavalry. │5 Bav. Res. Cav. │5 Bav. Res. Cav. │ (?)
│ Rgt. (3 Sqns.). │ Rgt. │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │5 Bav. Res. F. A. │5 Bav. Res. F. A. │5 Bav. Res. F. A.
│ Rgt. (6 Btries.).│ Rgt. │ Rgt. (9 Btries.).
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│4 Field Co. and 1 │4 Field Co. and 1 │4 Field Co. and 1
Liaisons. │ Res. Co. 2 Bav. │ Res. Co 2 Bav. │ Res. Co. 2 Bav.
│ Pion. Btn. │ Pion. Btn. │ Pion. Btn.
│ │5 Res. Pont. Engs. │205 Bav. T. M. Co.
│ │ │
│ │5 Res. Tel. Detch. │5 Bav. Res. Cable
│ │ │ Pont. Engs.
│ │ │5 Bav. Res. Tel.
│ │ │ Detch.
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │ │ │
Veterinary.│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transports. │ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Odd units. │ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Attached. │ │ │
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────
─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1917 │ 1918
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │11 Bav. │10 Bav. │11 Bav. │7 Bav.
│ Res. │ Res. │ Res. │ Res.
│ │7 Bav. │ │10 Bav.
│ │ Res. │ │ Res.
│ │12 Bav. │ │12 Bav.
│ │ Res. │ │ Res.
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
─────────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────
Cavalry. │ (?) │2 Sqn. 3 Bav. Light
│ │ Cav. Rgt.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │17 Bav. Art. │17 Bav. Art.
│ Command: │ Command:
│ 5 Bav. Res. F. A. │ 5 Bav. Res. F. A.
│ Rgt. (9 Btries.).│ Rgt.
│ │ 17 Bav. Ft. A.
│ │ Btn.
│ │ 102 Bav. Light Am.
│ │ Col.
│ │ 104 Bav. Light Am.
│ │ Col.
│ │ 119 Bav. Light Am.
│ │ Col.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│(18) Bav. Pion. │18 Bav. Pion. Btn.:
Liaisons. │ Btn. │
│ │
│ 2 Bav. Res. Pion. │ 2 Bav. Res. Pion.
│ Co. │ Co.
│ 19 Bav. Res. Pion │ 19 Bav. Res. Pion.
│ Co. │ Co.
│ 205 Bav. T. M. Co.│ 205 Bav. T. M. Co.
│ │
│ 405 Bav. Tel. │ 8 Bav. Searchlight
│ Detch. │ Section.
│ │405 Bav. Signal
│ │ Command:
│ │ 405 Tel Detch.
│ │ 103 Wireless
│ │ Detch.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │16 Bav. Ambulance │16 Bav. Ambulance
Veterinary.│ Co. │ Co.
│46 Bav. Field │46 Bav. Field
│ Hospital. │ Hospital.
│56 Bav. Field │50 Bav. Field
│ Hospital. │ Hospital.
│Vet. Hospital. │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transports. │M. T. Col. │751 Bav. M. T. Col.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Odd units. │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Attached. │ │
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────
HISTORY.
(Third Bavarian District—Upper Palatinate, Upper and Middle Franconia.)
1914.
LORRAINE.
1. The division constituted, with the 5th Bavarian Reserve Division, the
1st Bavarian Reserve Corps, and at the beginning of the war was part of
the army of Crown Prince Ruprecht of Bavaria (6th Army). It detrained
from August 11 to 13 between Sarreguemines and Sarralbe. It fought
August 20 on the left of the 21st Corps at Loudrefeing, was engaged the
26th at Maixe, September 2 at Deuxville, northwest of Luniville, and
remained a few days longer behind Luniville.
2. On September 13 it was in line on the Seille and the Paris-Avricourt
Railroad and remained there until the last days of the month.
ARTOIS.
3. September 28 and 29 the division entrained at Metz. Detrained the
30th and October 1 at Valenciennes. Engaged north of Arras (Roclincourt-
Carency) in October and November and took position in the sector.
1915.
In January, 1915, the division was increased by the 39th Landwehr
Infantry (Westphalian), coming from Brussels and sent as punishment to
the Artois front. In March and April two of its regiments were
transferred, the 6th Reserve to the 10th Bavarian Division, and the 13th
to the 11th Bavarian Division.
ARTOIS.
1. May 9, 1915, the division suffered very heavy losses during the
French offensive of Carency-Souchez. (The 10th Reserve Infantry lost 35
officers and 1,711 men, the 1st Reserve Bavarian Battalion of Chasseurs
lost 13 officers and 750 men.)
2. In the middle of June the division was moved south of the Scarpe in
front of Arras (Blangy sector).
1916.
In January, 1916, the 39th Landwehr Infantry went to Russia.
1. The division remained in Artois until August, 1916, and was increased
by a regiment from the 1st Bavarian Division (3d Reserve Infantry later
replaced by the 12th Reserve Infantry).
SOMME.
2. Relieved about August 7, the division was sent to the Somme and was
engaged near Maurepas from the middle of August to September. Heavy
losses. August 19 the 2d Battalion of the 10th Reserve Infantry was
reduced to 150 men (letter). September 1 the 3d Battalion of the 7th
Reserve Infantry borrowed 200 men from the 5th Bavarian Ersatz (letter).
AISNE.
3. In the middle of September the division was sent to the Aisne, where
it held a quiet sector east of Craonne until the end of November.
SOMME.
4. About December 9 the division returned to the Somme (south of
Saillisel.)
1917.
1. The division was withdrawn from the Somme front at the end of
January, 1917, and sent to rest in the vicinity of Cambrai until April.
AISNE.
2. At the beginning of April it was sent east of Laon to the region of
St. Erme, and reinforced the front south of Juvincourt between the
Miette and the Aisne about April 12 in anticipation of the French
offensive. It was subjected to the attack of the 16th and suffered heavy
losses (2,000 prisoners).
ST. MIHIEL.
3. Withdrawn from the Aisne front about April 20, the division was
reconstituted north of Laon (?), and on May 1 held the St. Mihiel sector
(Chauvoncourt-Spada).
4. October 7 it left the region of St. Mihiel.
FLANDERS.
5. Sent to Flanders and sent into line October 12 near the Ypres-Roulers
Railroad (Zonnebeke). In November it was left of Artois, where it held,
after intervals of relief, a sector north of the Scarpe (from Gavrelle
to Acheville). It was still there at the end of February, 1918.
RECRUITING.
3d Bavarian Division (Upper Palatinate, Upper and Middle Franconia).
VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
Good division, which has always fought well (October, 1917). April 16,
1917, it fought with great tenacity.
1918.
1. Early in January the division was relieved in its sector north of the
Scarpe and went to rest north of Douai.
SCARPE.
2. It was reengaged southeast of Gavrelle on February 21, when it was in
line during the attack. It took no prominent part in the offensive and
was withdrawn about the 1st of April.
SOMME.
3. On April 7–8 it came in line south of Hebuterne, where it was engaged
until April 16. After eight days’ rest it came into line south of the
Ayette, relieving the 195th Division on April 24. It was not withdrawn
until July 24.
ALSACE.
4. The division moved to Muelhausen, via Belgium and Germany, a trip of
10 days. While at rest there it was frequently alerted in anticipation
of an expected Allied attack in that region. On September 4 it returned
through Germany and Belgium to Douai, where the British were attacking.
5. It left Douai on September 22, detraining at Dun sur Meuse on
September 23. From there the division marched to the front.
MEUSE-ARGONNE.
6. On September 27 it was engaged at Daunevoux. It was engaged
throughout the entire Meuse-Argonne battle on the American front. At
Montfaucon it was forced back with heavy losses. The division affected
relief by regiments, which were sent to close support to be
reconstituted by drafts. Five hundred replacements were received early
in October. The initial company combat strength averaged 60 men. On
November 4 this had been reduced to 20. During the retreat of November
1–2 the division crossed the Meuse and took up a position on the east
bank.
VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.
The 5th Bavarian Reserve Division was rated as a second-class division.
Apart from the Meuse-Argonne offensive, it did not see much heavy
fighting during the year. Its effectives had been almost completely used
up by the time of the armistice.
5th Cavalry Division.
COMPOSITION.[5]
───────────────────────┬───────────────────────────────────────────────
│ 1918
───────────────────────┼───────────────────────┬───────────────────────
│ Brigade. │ Regiment.
───────────────────────┼───────────────────────┼───────────────────────
Cavalry. │9 Cav. │4 Drag.
│ │10 Uhlan.
│11 Cav. │1 Cuirassier.
│ │8 Drag.
│12 Cav. │4 Hus.
│ │6 Hus.
───────────────────────┼───────────────────────┴───────────────────────
Artillery. │5 Horse Art. Abt. (5.7 cm.).
───────────────────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────
Medical and Veterinary.│643 Ambulance Co.
───────────────────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────
Odd units. │1 M. G. Btry. 5 Cav. Pion. Detch.
───────────────────────┼───────────────────────────────────────────────
Attached. │52 Ldw. Inf. Rgt.
───────────────────────┴───────────────────────────────────────────────
Footnote 5:
At the time of its dissolution, July, 1918.
HISTORY.
1918.
There were repeated rumors of the division being on the Western Front in
1918, but no satisfactory identification was ever received.
According to a deserter of the 8th Dragoon Regiment, who left his
regiment in Jeumont, south of Binche, on May 20, the entire 5th Cavalry
Division entrained in Russia about March 6 and detrained at Zossen,
south of Berlin, where it was re-formed and trained. On the 26th of
April the division moved to St. Amand, from where it moved two weeks
later to the Jeumont and Marpent area.
Evidence points to the dissolution of the division on the Western Front
about July, 1918.
VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.
The division was rated as a fourth-class division.
6th Division.
COMPOSITION.
─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1914 │ 1915 │ 1916
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │11. │20. │11. │20. │12. │20.
│ │35 Fus. │ │35 Fus. │ │24.
│12. │24. │12. │24. │ │64.
│ │64. │ │64. │ │
│ 3 Jag. Btn. │ │ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────
Cavalry. │3 Hus. Rgt. (3 │ │3 Hus. Regt. (3
│ Sqns.). │ │ Sqns.).
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │6 Brig.: │6 Brig.: │6 Brig.:
│ 3 F. A. Rgt. │ 3 F. A. Rgt. │ 3 F. A. Rgt.
│ 39 F. A. Rgt. │ 39 F. A. Rgt. │ 39 F. A. Rgt.
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│ │1 Pion. Btn. No. 3:│1 Pion. Btn. No. 3:
Liaisons. │ │ │
│ │ Field Co. 3 Pions.│ 2 Co. 3 Pions.
│ │ │
│ │ 6 Pont. Engs. │ 6 T. M. Co.
│ │ 6 Tel. Detch. │ 6 Pont. Engs.
│ │ │ 6 Tel. Detch.
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │ │ │
Veterinary.│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transport. │ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Attached. │ │ │M. G. Co. to the 12
│ │ │ Brig.
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────
─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1917 │ 1918
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │12. │24. │12. │24.
│ │64. │ │64.
│ │396. │ │396.
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
─────────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────
Cavalry. │3 Hus. Regt. (5 │5 Sqn. 3 Hus. Rgt.
│ Sqns.). │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │6 Art. Command: │64 Art. Command:
│ 3 F. A. Rgt. │ 3 F. A. Rgt.
│ │ 1 Abt. 3 Ft. A.
│ │ Rgt. (Staff and 2
│ │ and 4 Btries).
│ │ 1087 Light Am.
│ │ Col.
│ │ 1168 Light Am.
│ │ Col.
│ │ 1205 Light Am.
│ │ Col.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│1 Pion. Btn. No. 3:│3 Pion. Btn.:
Liaisons. │ │
│(now 116 Pion. │ 3 Co. 3 Pions.
│ Btn.): │
│ 3 Co. 3 Pions. │ 5 Co. 3 Pions.
│ 5 Co. 3 Pions. │ 6 T. M. Co.
│ 6 T. M. Co. │ 64 Searchlight
│ │ Section.
│ 6 Tel. Detch. │6 Signal Command:
│ │ 6 Tel. Detch.
│ │ 2 Wireless Detch.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │Ambulance Co. │8 Ambulance Co.
Veterinary.│ │
│Field Hospital. │29 Field Hospital.
│Vet. Hospital. │31 Field Hospital.
│ │233 Vet. Hospital.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transport. │M. T. Col. │539 M. T. Col.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Attached. │242, 244, 245, and │
│ 246 Mountain M. │
│ G. Detch., │
│ Naumburg Landst. │
│ Inf. Btn. (IV C. │
│ Dist. No. 11). │
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────
HISTORY.
(Third District—Brandenburg.)
1914.
At mobilization the 6th Division formed, together with the 5th Division,
the 3d Army Corps (Berlin).
CHARLEROI-MARNE.
1. At the beginning of the war the 3d Army Corps belonged to the 1st
Army (Von Kluck). Entered Belgium August 4 and the 11th Brigade made
part of the unit which attacked Liège. Its reservists rejoined it there.
The 12th Brigade crossed the Belgian frontier August 15; then the
division, completely filled up, marched via Tongres, Louvain, and Hal.
It fought the 24th at Mons and Frameries. Going via Villers-Cotterets
(Sept. 1), La Ferté-Milon, it arrived at Petit-Morin September 4.
Engaged the 6th between Montceaux and Courgivaux on the left of the 5th
Division. Obliged to retreat, it established itself on the right bank of
the Aisne in the region of Soissons. It remained there until the end of
June, 1915.
AISNE.
2. From October 30 to November 30, 1914, the division, reinforced by
units of neighboring organizations, directed a successful offensive
against the French troops in the region Chavonne-Soupir and threw them
back on the left bank of the Aisne November 17 to 19, 1914.
1915.
1. From the end of January to July, 1915, the Aisne front was held by
the division and remained quiet, the division suffering no losses. At
the end of March the 35th Fusilier Regiment was transferred to 56th
Division (new division).
ARTOIS.
2. Relieved from the region of Soissons toward the end of June and sent
to Artois. On July 14 it took the place of the Bavarians before Arras.
Withdrawn from the front toward the beginning of August and sent to rest
between Valenciennes and Cambrai.
SERBIA.
3. September 23 it entrained for the Eastern Front. With the 25th
Reserve Division it constituted, on the Serbo-Hungarian frontier, a new
3d Army Corps belonging to the Gallwitz Army. October 9 it crossed the
Danube and remained in Serbia until the capture of Kragujewatz. During
this October campaign the division suffered greatly.
FRANCE.
4. Returned to the Western Front at the beginning of December. Sent to
rest and reorganized in the region Hirson-Avesnes.
1916.
1. At the end of January and the beginning of February, 1916, it was
sent to the front north of Verdun (Romagne-Mangiennes area).
VERDUN.
2. February 22 it was engaged with the 5th Division in the zone between
the western limits of Herbebois and the eastern slopes of the Cotes de
Meuse. The two divisions did not go beyond Fort Douaumont, captured by
the 24th Infantry. Their violent attacks on the village February 26 to
28 were repulsed. March 2 the regiments were withdrawn from the front
and filled up.
3. On March 8 new and unsuccessful attacks against the village of
Douaumont and the Hardaumont defenses.
4. About March 15 the 3d Army Corps was withdrawn from the front. The
6th Division went to the region of Mulhouse to be reorganized. On April
25 the division was again engaged (south of Douaumont-Caillette Wood)
and again suffered heavily. It is probable that each of its regiments
were completely reorganized after each attack at Douaumont (more than 60
per cent losses).
6. At the end of May the division was relieved and sent to rest in the
region of Ville au Montois.
CHAMPAGNE.
7. In the middle of June it was sent to Champagne and occupied quiet
sectors northeast of Prunay, then east of Auberive. It remained there
till the end of September. It exchanged its 20th Infantry Regiment for
the 396th Infantry Regiment, organized September 26. (See illustration.)
SOMME.
8. At the beginning of October sent to the Somme and was engaged in the
region of Gueudecourt and again suffered heavily, October 8 to 29.
ARGONNE.
9. Withdrawn from the Somme front at the end of October; went to the
Argonne in the sector Fille-Morte-Boureuilles, November 30 to beginning
of April, 1917.
1917.
1. At the beginning of April, 1917, the division was sent to Alsace. It
stayed about two weeks in the region of Mulhouse.
CHAMPAGNE.
2. About April 20 sent to Champagne and took over a sector south of
Moronvilliers where it was subjected to the French attack of April 30.
It had to be relieved a few days after, as it suffered great losses at
Mont-Haut (50 to 75 men per company).
3. The division returned to Alsace and was reorganized behind the front
in the region of Mulhouse.
RUSSIA.
4. About July 1 sent to the Eastern Front in Galicia, where it held a
sector in the Skalat region.
FRANCE.
Withdrawn from this front at the beginning of October it entrained for
France, beginning the 7th, southeast of Tarnopol, and traveled via
Lemberg-Cracow-Dresden-Cassel-Coblentz-Treves-Thionville-Montmedy-
Charleville-Vouziers.
AISNE.
5. After staying a few days around Vouziers and Marle the division was
sent on October 23, the date of the French offensive, precipitately near
Laon. October 24 and 25 it took over a sector on the Ailette in the
region of Lizy (Urcel sector) and was still holding it January 24, 1918,
after a period of rest in Laon in November.
RECRUITING.
Same remarks as for the 5th Division.
VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
The 3d Army Corps was always considered as one of the star corps of the
Prussian Army. The 6th Division was among the best in Germany.
The military qualities seem to have been considerably lessened after the
losses suffered, notably before Verdun and in the Mont Haut sector. It
must be noted, however, that, according to the examination of a deserter
on November 2, 1917, the 396th Regiment is still considered as an
excellent unit whose morale is intact.
Losses before Verdun (February to May, 1916): 20th Infantry, 2,904 men
(633 killed); 24th Infantry, 2,691 (584 killed); 64th Infantry, 2,819
(603 killed); 3d Battalion of Chasseurs, 1,422 (219 killed). Total,
9,831 men (2,039 killed).
1918.
AISNE.
1. The division was relieved by the 6th Bavarian Reserve Division
January 12. It, in turn, relieved the 6th Bavarian Reserve Division the
24th. February 22 it was again relieved by the 6th Bavarian Reserve
Division. It rested then in the Maubeuge area, where it underwent a
thorough course of training. The division then marched via Catillon,
Bohain, Fresnoy le Grand, Le Verguier, Berthaucourt, Vermand,
Marteville, Trefcon, Monchy Lagache.
PERONNE.
2. It came into line S. E. of that city near Meharicourt, March 24,
relieving the 113th Division.
AISNE.
3. It was withdrawn from line about the 10th of April, and went to the
Guise area, where, with the 5th Division, it was put through another
course of training. It reinforced the battle front near Juvigny, May 27.
It was withdrawn from line August 4.
It moved via Anizy le Chateau, southwest of Laon, Guise, Grougis,
Bohain, Bertry, Neuvilly, Solesmes, Valenciennes, Ghent, to Turkyen
(northwest of Roulers). The division remained here until September 7,
when it entrained at Roulers and traveled via Lille and Denain to Iwuy,
remaining in reserve in the Sancourt-Proville area until the 14th, when
it was moved up into support near Ribecourt.
CAMBRAI.
4. During the night of September 17–18 it reentered the line and
counterattacked against Havrincourt (southwest of Cambrai). It was
withdrawn October 1, after suffering heavy losses.
5. The division came back into line near Escadoeuvres (northeast of
Cambrai), October 7. It was withdrawn on the 17th.
VALENCIENNES.
6. October 23 the division entered line near Escautpont (north of
Valenciennes).
7. It was withdrawn a few days later, and reappeared in line south of
Valenciennes on the 29th. The night of November 7–8 it was relieved by
the 185th Division.
VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.
According to an article by Prof. Wegener in the Koelnische Zeitung,
March 30, the 6th Division “particularly distinguished itself” in the
Somme offensive. It did very well, too, in the Aisne attack and also in
the German attempts to prevent the Allied advance beginning July 18. It
suffered very heavy losses—e. g., 1,550 prisoners in its two engagements
on the Cambrai front during September and early October; nevertheless,
it is still to be considered as one of the best German shock divisions.
6th Reserve Division.
COMPOSITION.[6]