Chapter XIV: Part 14

1. At the outbreak of the war the 18th Division (of the 9th Army Corps, with the 17th Division) formed a part of the 1st Army (Von Kluck). Entraining at Aix la Chapelle August 8–10, it was before Liege on the 13th, went into action at Tirlemont on the 18th, at Mons on the 23d, entered France on the 25th, crossed the Marne at Chateau Thierry on September 3, and took part in the battle of the Marne on September 6 and 7, at Esternay and Courgivaux.

AISNE.

2. After the retreat it took up its position north of the Aisne, where it remained for more than a year in various parts of the sector.

1915.

In March, 1915, the 84th Infantry Regiment was taken from the 18th Division to help in the formation of the 54th Division.

AISNE.

1. Until October, 1915, the 18th Division occupied the sectors of the Aisne. On June 3 the 86th Fusiliers attacked at Quennevieres, suffering enormous losses. (Between June 18 and July 3 its 5th Company received at least 115 men as replacements; the 8th Company, 120.)

CHAMPAGNE.

2. From October, 1915, until June, 1916, the 18th Division was in Champagne (Souain area).

1916.

1. On February 25, 1916, the 31st Infantry Regiment suffered heavy losses south of St. Marie a Py; its 11th Company was entirely destroyed or captured.

SOMME.

2. From July to September, 1916, the 18th Division was in action along the Somme (south of the Somme). At Belloy, on September 4, the 4th Company of the 86th Fusiliers was destroyed with the exception of 23 men.

ARTOIS.

3. From October until the beginning of December the division was in the Arras area (east).

4. It left Artois about December 12 to take over a sector along the Somme (Grandcourt).

1917.

SOMME.

1. About February 18, 1917, the 18th Division was withdrawn from the front, then sent back into line at the beginning of March, at Puisieux- Gommecourt (Somme).

ARTOIS.

2. At the end of March it was transferred to Artois, north of the Scarpe, and went into action at Roeux and Fampoux, from April 10 to April 23.

3. Relieved at the end of April, it went back into line about May 8, in the area south of Arras, and from that date until the end of August occupied sectors in the vicinity of Cambrai (Villers-Plouich, Havrincourt, Marcoing).

FLANDERS.

4. On August 27 the 18th Division was relieved from the Cambrai front (Ribecourt-Marcoing sector) and entrained for Flanders, where it was made an army reserve in the Ruddervoorde (northeast of Thourout). It was there reorganized with replacements coming from troops of the 9th Corps District stationed in Russia (taken from the 426th Infantry Regiment, the 31st Landwehr Regiment, and the 3d Ersatz Reserve Regiment).

5. It went into the sector Mangelaere about September 16 and underwent the Franco-British attack of October 9, which caused it rather serious losses.

RUSSIA.

6. The 18th Division was relieved about October 14 and transferred to Russia, where it made a rather short stay in the Vilna area.

ALSACE.

7. It was back in Upper Alsace about the end of November, in the region of Mulhouse, at the beginning of February, 1918.

RECRUITING.

The 18th Division is recruited from Schleswig-Holstein (Prussians and Danes). A certain proportion of Poles from Silesia appeared in the replacements of 1917 (especially in the 31st Infantry Regiment).

VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.

The 18th Division has always passed as being a good division. However, in the course of the Franco-British attack of October 9, 1917, none of its elements carried out the counterattacks described by their leaders; however, in order to form a correct judgment of this, one must take account of the intensity of the bombardment, the state of the terrain, and the weakness of the effectives in line at that moment.

1918.

CAMBRAI.

1. The 18th Division left Alsace, entraining at Mulhouse, about the 12th of February, and traveled via Thionville and Sedan to Bertry, where it detrained after a journey of 2½ days. It relieved the 107th Division near Gonnelieu (south of Cambrai) the 16th. It was withdrawn the beginning of March, and had a few days’ training near Ligny en Cambresis.

2. It left here on the 17th and marched to Malincourt, where it stayed three days.

ST. QUENTIN.

3. It reenforced the battle front near Hargicourt (north of St. Quentin) on March 21. The next day the division commander was killed. The division was withdrawn about the 26th.

SOMME.

4. During the night of March 29–30 the division relieved the 1st Division near Sailly le Sec (south of Albert). Here again heavy losses were suffered. The division received a draft of 500 men, mostly returned wounded. It is not clear just what happened during this period and as late as about the 18th of May, when the division was withdrawn, but it seems as though its regiments and the regiments of the 50th Reserve Division and the 199th Division inter-relieved each other.

TOURNAI.

5. The division went to the Tournai region, where it rested, was completely reconstituted, and trained.

SOISSONS.

6. On August 1 it reenforced the battle front near Launoy (southwest of Soissons), after having left Tournai July 21 and having detrained at La Fere the following day. Toward the end of its tour in line (it was withdrawn during the night of Oct. 12–13), it retreated along the line Froidmont-Eppes.

OISE.

7. The division was transported by truck and relieved the 22d Reserve Division near Bernoville (northeast of St. Quentin) on October 15. On the 17th it withdrew to Grougis, and then to the Sambre Canal. During these operations it lost more than 500 prisoners. It was withdrawn about the 28th.

8. On November 4 the division reenforced the front near Hannapes (north of Guise) and withdrew, with the remainder of the line, through Iron, the Nouvion region, Boulogne sur Helpe, and Etroeung. It was still in line on the 11th.

VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.

The 18th Division is rated as being first class. Since the spring, however, it has not been used to any great extent where heavy fighting was in progress, and it may well be it has deteriorated. It is known that part of the 6th Company of the 86th Regiment refused to go into line on October 25 until it was threatened with being shot.

18th Reserve Division.

COMPOSITION.

─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1914 │ 1915 │ 1916
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │53 Res. │84 Res. │35 Res. │84 Res. │35 Res. │31 Res.
│ │86 Res. │ │86 Res. │ │84 Res.
│36 Res. │31 Res. │36 Res. │31 Res. │ │86 Res.
│ │90 Res. │ │90 Res. │ │
│ 9 Res. Jag. Btn. │ 9 Res. Jag. Btn. │ 9 Res. Jag. Btn.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Cavalry. │7 Res. Hus. Rgt. (3│7 Res. Hus. Rgt. │7 Res. Hus. Rgt.
│ Sqns.). │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │18 Res. F. A. Rgt. │18 Res. F. A. Rgt. │18 Res. F. A. Rgt.
│ (6 Btries.). │ (8 Btries.). │ (10 Btries.).
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│1 and 2 Res. Cos. 2│1 and 2 Res. Cos. 2│1 and 2 Res. Cos. 2
Liaisons. │ Pion. Btn. No. 9.│ Pion. Btn. No. 9.│ Pion. Btn. No. 9.
│ │18 Res. Pont. Engs.│218 T. M. Co.
│ │ │
│ │18 Res. Tel. Detch.│18 Res. Pont. Engs.
│ │ │
│ │ │18 Res. Tel. Detch.
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │ │ │
Veterinary.│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transports. │ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Attached. │ │ │95 Labor Btn. Anti-
│ │ │ Aircraft Section.
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────

─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1917 │ 1918
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │35 Res. │31 Res. │35 Res. │31 Res.
│ │84 Res. │ │84 Res.
│ │86 Res. │ │86 Res.
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
─────────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────
Cavalry. │3 Sqn. 6 Res. Hus. │2 Sqn. 16 Hus. Rgt.
│ Rgt. │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │112 Art. Command: │112 Art. Command:
│ │
│ 18 Res. F. A. Rgt.│ 18 Res. F. A. Rgt.
│ │ 126 Ft. A. Btn.
│ │ 757 Light Am. Col.
│ │ 1250 Light Am.
│ │ Col.
│ │ 1304 Light Am.
│ │ Col.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│(318) Pion. Btn.: │318 Pion. Btn.:
Liaisons. │ │
│ 1 Res. Co. 9 │ 1 Co. 9 Res.
│ Pions. │ Pions.
│ 2 Res. Co. 9 │ 2 Co. 9 Res.
│ Pions. │ Pions.
│ 218 T. M. Co. │ 218 T. M. Co.
│ 9 Res. Searchlight│ 48 Searchlight
│ Section. │ Section.
│ 418 Tel. Detch. │418 Signal Command:
│ │ 418 Tel. Detch.
│ │ 115 Wireless
│ │ Detch.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │513 Ambulance Co. │513 Ambulance Co.
Veterinary.│ │
│400 Field Hospital.│400 Field Hospital.
│Vet. Hospital. │44 Res. Field
│ │ Hospital.
│ │418 Vet. Hospital.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transports. │M. T. Col. │717 M. T. Col.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Attached. │ │
│ │
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────

HISTORY.

(9th Corps District—Schleswig—Holstein and Mecklenburg.)

1914.

1. The 18th Reserve Division formed the 9th Reserve Corps, with the 17th Reserve Division.

BELGIUM.

2. From the outbreak of the war until August 22, 1914, the 18th Reserve Division was guarding the coast of Schleswig-Holstein. Entraining about this time, it went into Belgium, where it advanced rapidly. After taking and sacking Louvain (Aug. 25) it occupied Hamme (Sept. 1), Termonde (Sept. 4).

OISE.

3. On the 9th it was hastily transferred by way of Tournai and Valenciennes to the Oise area. Entraining on the 13th at Chauny, it reenforced the front south of Noyon and went into action between Carlepont and Lassigny (Sept. 15–21).

4. At the beginning of October the 18th Reserve Division was taken to the valley of the Avre. It fought in the vicinity of Roye (Laucourt, Oct. 2–3). At the beginning of November the division front extended between the Avre and Beuvraignes.

LASSIGNY.

5. On November 15 it bore to the south and held the region of the Loges- Lassigny wood.

1915.

In March, 1915, it gave the 90th Reserve Infantry Regiment to the 54th Division, a new formation.

1. The 18th Reserve Division occupied the Lassigny area until October, 1915, without any serious engagements. In October it took over elements of the Hartz Division (6th Army), among others the 3d Battalion of the 31st Infantry Regiment which contained four battalions from May, 1915, to September, 1916.

ARTOIS.

2. About October 23 the division was sent to Artois (Givenchy), where it launched several local attacks.

1916.

1. The 18th Reserve Division remained in the Liévin-Givenchy sector until July, 1916.

SOMME.

2. After a few days at rest, July 13 to July 28, it took part in the battle of the Somme, north of Pozieres, in several serious attacks.

3. It was reorganized in the Valenciennes area during the second half of August.

4. At the end of August, it was sent northeast of Lens (Pont a Vendin).

5. At the beginning of October the 18th Reserve Division again went into action along the Somme, north of Combles, (Morval, Sailly Saillisel). It suffered heavily in a series of local attacks.

FLANDERS.

6. Withdrawn from the front about October 12–16, the division was transferred to Belgium. On October 23–25 it went into line north of Ypres.

1917.

1. The 18th Reserve Division occupied the Ypres salient (Pilkem) until the end of March, 1917.

ARTOIS.

2. After a short rest at Roulers, the division was concentrated at Vitry en Artois (Apr. 1). Going into action southeast of Arras (Heninel), it underwent the British attack (Apr. 9), which caused it heavy losses (500 prisoners).

3. The division left the Artois front about April 15, and after a few days at rest took over the sector of Cherisy-Guemappe (southeast of Arras in May).

4. At the beginning of June the 18th Reserve Division was relieved and sent to rest.

FLANDERS.

5. Transferred to Flanders about June 16, it first remained in reserve behind the Messines front. On July 3 the division was in action west of Houthem and suffered severe losses in consequence of local actions and bombardments.

6. Relieved about August 8, it was at rest in the Cambrai area until August 16. It then occupied the quiet sector of Queant (west of Cambrai) until the middle of October.

7. It was sent to Flanders again on October 20, and went into line near the Ypres-Menin railroad (Oct. 28–29).

RECRUITING.

The 18th Reserve Division is recruited in Schleswig-Holstein.

The Mecklenburgers, according to an order in 1917, had to return to their national regiment, the 90th Infantry Reserve Regiment, which no longer belonged to the division. A limited number of men from the 7th and 10th Corps districts (Westphalia and Hanover) is found.

VALUE 1917—ESTIMATE.

The 18th Reserve Division has the same value as the 17th Reserve Division. At the end of 1917 it is difficult to form an opinion as to its combat value. It has not been in any serious action since the battle of Arras, having arrived in Flanders when the autumn operations were about at an end. The morale of the division may be considered as passable. (British Summary of Information, February, 1918.)

1918.

1. The 18th Reserve Division was relieved by the 214th Division in the Gheluvelt sector on January 6. It went to rest in the vicinity of Menin and while there was intensively trained in open warfare.

YPRES.

2. On February 18 the division relieved the 214th Division in its former sector north of Gheluvelt (east of Ypres). It was relieved by the 7th Reserve Division about March 31.

LA BASSEE.

3. It reinforced the battle front near Locon (northwest of La Bassee) on April 9, and was withdrawn about the 18th, going to rest in the Sainghin area (southeast of Lille).

4. On May 14 it relieved the 25th Division west of Locon, and was relieved by the extension of fronts of the neighboring divisions about the 18th of June, when it went to rest in the region of Gondecourt (east of La Bassee).

5. About the 14th of July it relieved the 1st Guard Reserve Division near Givenchy (north of the La Bassee Canal—west of La Bassee); relieved September 3, it went to rest in the region north of Denain.

CAMBRAI.

6. On the 29th of September the division reentered the line near Proville and Rumilly (south of Cambrai), and was still in line when the armistice was signed. It was thought that it had been withdrawn October 8, again on the 18th, and on the 4th of November, but considering the speed with which the German withdrawal was executed, the confusion necessarily incident thereto, and the fact that the division always turned up a day or two later in the same relative position it had previously occupied, it seems best to assume that it was continuously in line.

VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.

The 18th Reserve is considered a second-class division. It did not distinguish itself in the Lys offensive, and it is reported that thereafter it was to be used only as a holding division. At any rate, it engaged in no other German offensives, and, indeed, no other heavy fighting, until the beginning of October or sometime after practically the whole front had become active on account of the combined allied push.

18th Landwehr Division.

COMPOSITION.

─────────────┬─────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────
│ 1914–15 │ 1916
─────────────┼──────────────┬──────────────┼──────────────┬──────────────
│ Brigade. │ Regiment. │ Brigade. │ Regiment.
─────────────┼──────────────┼──────────────┼──────────────┼──────────────
Infantry. │19 Ldw. │19 Ldw. │20 Ldw. │19 Ldw.
│ │47 Ldw. │ │47 Ldw.
│ │72 Ldw. │28 Ldw. │133 Ldw.
│ │133 Ldw. │ │57 Ldw.
│ │ │ │72 Ldw.
─────────────┼──────────────┴──────────────┼──────────────┴──────────────
Cavalry. │ │Ers. Sqn. 1 Horse Jag. Rgt.
│ │Ers. Sqn. 1 Uhlan Rgt.
─────────────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────
Artillery. │ │5 Ldw. F. A. Rgt.
│ │835 F. A. Btry.
─────────────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────
Engineers and│ │2 Res. Co. 1 Pions.
Liaisons. │ │
│ │344 Pion. Co.
│ │166 T. M. Co.
│ │
│ │
│ │
─────────────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────
Medical and │ │
Veterinary.│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
─────────────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────
Transports. │ │
─────────────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────
Odd Units. │ │Cyclist Co.
─────────────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────
Attached. │ │43 Labor Btn.
─────────────┴─────────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────

─────────────┬─────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────
│ 1917 │ 1918
─────────────┼──────────────┬──────────────┼──────────────┬──────────────
│ Brigade. │ Regiment. │ Brigade. │ Regiment.
─────────────┼──────────────┼──────────────┼──────────────┼──────────────
Infantry. │19 Ldw. │47 Ldw. │19 Ldw. │47 Ldw.
│ │57 Ldw. │ │57 Ldw.
│ │72 Ldw. │ │72 Ldw.
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
─────────────┼──────────────┴──────────────┼──────────────┴──────────────
Cavalry. │Ers. Sqn. 12 Drag. Rgt. │4 Sqn. 4 Drag. Rgt.
│Ers. Sqn. 2 Uhlan Rgt. │
─────────────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────
Artillery. │Art. Command: │5 Ldw. F. A. Rgt.
│ 5 Ldw. F. A. Rgt. │
─────────────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────
Engineers and│43 Pion. Btn.: │2 Landst. Co. 3 C. Dist.
Liaisons. │ │ Pions.
│ 2 Res. Co. 1 Pions. │117 Searchlight Section.
│ 344 Pion. Co. │518 Signal Command:
│ 166 T. M. Co. │ 518 Tel. Detch.
│ 218 Searchlight Section. │
│ Tel. Detch. │
─────────────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────
Medical and │258 Ambulance Co. │258 Ambulance Co.
Veterinary.│ │
│296 Field Hospital. │305 Field Hospital.
│305 Field Hospital. │18 Ldw. Field Hospital.
│18 Ldw. Field Hospital. │130 Vet. Hospital.
│Vet. Hospital. │
─────────────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────
Transports. │534 M. T. Col. │
─────────────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────
Odd Units. │60 Cyclist Co. │
─────────────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────
Attached. │43 Labor Btn. │
─────────────┴─────────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────

HISTORY.

(47th Landwehr Regiment: 5th Corps district.—Posen.) (57th Landwehr
Regiment: 7th Corps district.—Westphalia.) (72d Landwehr Regiment: 4th
Corps district.—Prussian Saxony.)

1914–15.

RUSSIA.

1. The 18th Landwehr Division is the former Bredow Division.

POLAND.

2. After being engaged in September, 1914, in the battle of the Mazurian Lakes, the Bredow Division fought in the Polish campaign: Battle of Warsaw (Oct. 9–19, 1914); battles on the Rawka (Oct. 22–28); near Czenstochow (Nov. 10-Dec. 15); between Pilica and Nidi, in the mountainous region of Kielce (December, 1914, to July, 1915).

3. In the middle of July, 1915, the division was in action near Sienno and before Ivangorod (breaking of the Russian front), crossed the Vistula (end of July), was in action between the Vistula and the Bug (Aug. 8–18), and advanced in action as far as Slonim and the Upper Chtchara (September). The front becoming stabilized in this area, the Bredow Division took up its position southeast of Novo-Grudok (near Goroditche in October and November). At the end of November it went into the sector southeast of Liakhovitchi (south of Baranovitchi). The number 18 appears to be given to the Bredow Division in December.

1916.

BARANOVITCHI.

1. The 18th Landwehr Division remained on the front south of Baranovitchi (Liakhovitchi) for more than two years (November, 1915, to the beginning of 1918). From July 2 to July 9, 1916, it withstood the Russian attacks in this area.

2. In June, 1916, two regiments of the division, the 57th Landwehr and the 133d Landwehr, were transferred to Volhynia (north of Lutsk), assigned to the Rusche Division and were in action against the offensive of Broussilov. The 57th Landwehr Regiment rejoined the 18th Landwehr Division near Baranovitchi in August. The 133d Landwehr Regiment was provisionally a part of the 92d Division.

1917.

1. The division held the sector Baranovitchi-Liakhovitchi.

2. In October 900 men from the 18th Landwehr Division, chosen from among the youngest, were entrained for the western front. In April a number had been taken from the 72d Landwehr Regiment for the 5th Reserve Division. In November the 47th Landwehr Regiment furnished men to the 15th Division. As the 18th Landwehr Division had received no replacements since the end of July, the trench strength of the 72d Landwehr Regiment had fallen, at the end of October, to 50–60 men per company (Russian interrogation).

VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.

The division has been on the Russian front since the beginning of the war. Combat value appears to be mediocre.

1918.

1. In February, 1918, the 18th Landwehr Division advanced into the interior of Russia. The 72d Landwehr Regiment was identified between Mohilev and Gomel on February 2. In May the 57th Landwehr Regiment held the very long front from north of Kopys to south of Chklov.

2. In the middle of June the division was in the Orcha region. It was again identified in the region of Mohilev on the 22d of September.

3. There were rumors during October that the division had come to the Woevre, but since the division was never actually identified it is not believed that it left Russia.

VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.

The division was rated as fourth class.

19th Division.

COMPOSITION.

─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1914 │ 1915 │ 1916
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │37. │78. │37. │78. │37. │74.
│ │91. │ │91. │ │78.
│38. │73 Fus. │38. │73 Fus. │ │91.
│ │74. │ │74. │ │
─────────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────
Cavalry. │17 Hus. Rgt. (3 │17 Hus. Rgt. (3 │17 Hus. Rgt. (2
│ Sqns.). │ Sqns.). │ Sqns.).
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │19 Brig.: │19 Brig.: │19 Brig.:
│ 26 F. A. Rgt. │ 26 F. A. Rgt. │ 26 F. A. Rgt.
│ 62 F. A. Rgt. │ 62 F. A. Rgt. │ 62 F. A. Rgt.
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│ │1 Pion. Btn. No. │1 Pion. Btn. No.
Liaisons. │ │ 10: │ 10:
│ │ Field Co. 10 │ 1 Co. 10 Pions.
│ │ Pions. │
│ │ 19 Pont. Engs. │ 19 T. M. Co.
│ │ 19 Tel. Detch. │ 19 Pont. Engs.
│ │ │ 19 Tel. Detch.
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │ │ │
Veterinary.│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transports. │ │ │
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────

─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1917 │ 1918
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │37. │74. │37. │74.
│ │78. │ │78.
│ │91. │ │91.
│ │ │ │
─────────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────
Cavalry. │3 Sqn. 17 Hus. Rgt.│3 Sqn. 17 Hus. Rgt.
│ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │19 Art. Command: │19 Art. Command:
│ 26 F. A. Rgt. │ 26 F. A. Rgt.
│ │ 93 Ft. A. Btn.
│ │ 740 Light Am. Col.
│ │ 905 Light Am. Col.
│ │ 1156 Light Am.
│ │ Col.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│(1/10 or 127) Pion.│127 Pion. Btn.:
Liaisons. │ Btn.: │
│ 1 Co. 10 Pions. │ 1 Co. 10 Pions.
│ │
│ 5 Co. 10 Pions. │ 5 Co. 10 Pions.
│ 19 T. M. Co. │ 19 T. M. Co.
│ 296 Searchlight │ 50 Searchlight
│ Section. │ Section.
│ 19 Tel. Detch. │19 Signal Command:
│ 19 Pont. Engs. │ 19 Tel. Detch.
│ │ 4 Wireless Detch.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │25 Ambulance Co. │25 Ambulance Co.
Veterinary.│ │
│6 Field Hospital. │95 Field Hospital.
│95 Field Hospital. │97 Field Hospital.
│97 Field Hospital. │19 Vet. Hospital.
│19 Vet. Hospital. │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transports. │M. T. Col. │552 M. T. Col.
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────

HISTORY.

(10th Corps District—Hanover and the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg.)

1914.

1. The 19th Division constituted, at the outbreak of the war, with the 20th Division, the 10th Army Corps (Hanover), which was a part of the 2d Army (Von Buelow).

BELGIUM-MARNE.

2. On August 3 one of its brigades, the 38th, was at Malmedy for the attack upon Liége, where it went into action on the 5th. After the fall of Liége the 19th Division, going around Namur on the north, fought at Charleroi on the 23d, entered France on the 25th, and went into action at Guise, at St. Quentin. It took part in the battle of the Marne on the right of the 20th Division, and then withdrew with that division to the northwest of Reims.

CHAMPAGNE.

3. In October it was in the same sector attached to the 7th Army (Von Heeringen) and remained during the winter of 1914–15.

1915.

RUSSIA.

1. In March, 1915, the 73d Fusiliers left the division to become a part of the 111th Division (a new formation).

2. In April the 19th Division was sent (with the 20th) to Galicia, where it took part in the offensive of Mackensen’s army. This campaign caused heavy losses; in the 91st Infantry Regiment, between May and September, the casualties totaled 127 officers and 4,291 men. (Official List of casualties.)

3. Entraining at Warsaw on September 17 the 19th Division, together with the 20th, was taken to Antwerp, then, by way of Namur and Givet, to Champagne. There it remained behind the front to reinforce the 3d Army at the time of our attack on the Champagne front (September).

FRANCE.

4. It was relieved about October 17. After a few days rest in the area of Grandlup, Missy les Pierrepont, it occupied the Hurtebise-Vauclerc line at the end of October.

AISNE.

5. About December 19 it was withdrawn to the rear (Parfondru area). It remained in reserve of the army and received training.

1916.

1. The division again went into line at the beginning of January, 1916 (Hurtebise-Vauclerc sector) and remained there until the middle of May. Then it was sent to Sissonne and received training until June 7.

RUSSIA.

2. About June 8 it left Sissonne and entrained for the Eastern Front. Itinerary: Laon-Sedan-Trèves-Coblentz-Limberg-Marburg-Cassel-Leipzig- Breslau-Bautzen-Iwagorod-Kovel (June 12).

3. The division was retrained on the Russian front from June until November. It underwent the Broussilov offensive, and in November formed a part of the 4th Austrian Army in action on the Volhynia front.

FRANCE.

4. About November 8 it entrained and left Russia to return to the Western Front. Itinerary: Kovel-Brest-Litowsk-Warsaw-Thorn-Berlin- Hanover-Aix la Chapelle-Liége-Namur-Givet-Hirson.

5. After a few days of rest, the 19th Division entrained for Rethel. It was billeted in the vicinity until the end of December.

1917.

1. After a stay in Alsace (January, 1917) the 19th Division came into reserve in Champagne in February.

CHAMPAGNE.

2. On February 24 it occupied the sector Ripont, Cernay en Dormois.

3. On March 6 it was transferred to the Rheims front (Brimont, Cavaliers de Coucy in April and May). Only its right wing was engaged in the French offensive.

4. Relieved on the 10th of June and sent to rest, it was in action shortly afterwards southwest of Moronvilliers, then on the Cornillet- Monc St. Blond front, where it underwent the French attacks of July 14 and suffered heavy losses.

5. On July 20, it left this area and in two days marched to the sector north of Ville sur Tourbe.

MEUSE.

6. About September 7 it was sent to the Verdun area (Beaumont- Samogneux). It there launched several attacks.

7. Relieved from the Beaumont sector at the end of December, the 19th Division occupied the Forges sector (left bank of the Meuse) about January 6, 1918. There it was relieved by the 84th Division beginning of February.

RECRUITING.

The 19th Division is recruited from Hanover. The 91st Infantry Regiment is recruited in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. There were very few replacements from other corps districts.

VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.

The 19th Division must be considered a good division (September, 1917).

1918.

1. The division rested at Stenay until March 6, when it entrained and traveled via Sedan-Charleville-Anor to Landrecies, going into billets at Hecq. On the 17th it marched to Croix and in the evening proceeded via Le Cateau to Honnechy. On the night of March 19–20 it marched to Brancourt, and on the 21st followed up the attack as far as Maissemy. The 91st Regiment crossed the Somme at Brie on the 25th and by the 28th had reached Harbonnieres.

BATTLE OF PICARDY.

2. It was in support until the 31st, when it was engaged near Marcelcaves. In the fighting in this locality between the 30th and April 6, the division lost 50 per cent of its effectives. The heaviest losses were incurred on March 31 at Brie where a battalion commander, ordered to attack, was unable to do so because of his losses.

3. The division rested until April 16 in the neighborhood of Proyart and Framerville. About 1,000 men were received as reinforcements at this time.

SOMME.

4. It was engaged on April 18, north of Hangard, until the 20th. Two days of rest at Harbonnieres followed, and it returned to line on the 24th. The French attack of the 26th caused the division severe losses and it withdrew on April 28. It was reengaged on the same sector on May 6 and in line until May 29. While in line the division received drafts of 1,200 men.

5. The division rested until the 1st of June in the vicinity of Cambrai. It marched toward the Lassigny front by night, passing through Ham (June 2), Esmery-Hallon, Tilloloy (June 7–8).

NOYON.

6. It was engaged on June 9 in the Lataule wood and was in line until the 14th. It entrained on the 21st and moved to Lorraine, where it relieved the 3d Guard Division at Bezanges on June 25. It rested on this quiet front until July 29, when the 81st Reserve Division from Flanders relieved it.

VESLE.

7. The division rested near Fort Brimont until mid-August, when it moved by stages to the Vesle front. It entered the line northeast of Fismes on September 1 and remained during the month. The division withstood the French attack of the 31st, losing about 700 prisoners. It was forced to retire on Ventelay and Chaudardes (Oct. 1), and later on Pontavert, Craonne, toward Sissonne (Oct. 11–12). It was in second line about the 13th to 18th.

LAON.

8. On October 19 it was again in line near Sissonne. In the retreat it retired by Boucourt, la Ville aux Bois, Montcornet. After November 4 it was identified near Renneval, Iviers, and Aubenton (Nov. 8).

VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.

The division was rated as first class. It was regarded as one of the best German divisions. It resisted with great obstinacy the French counterattack at Hangard, April 26. Its morale remained good until the end of October.

19th Reserve Division.

COMPOSITION.

─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1914 │ 1915 │ 1916
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │37 Res. │73 Res. │37 Res. │73 Res. │37 Res. │73 Res.
│ │78 Res. │ │78 Res. │ │78 Res.
│39 Res. │74 Res. │39 Res. │74 Res. │ │79 Res.
│ │ │ │ │ │ (2
│ │ │ │ │ │ Btns.)
│ │92 Res. │ │92 Res. │39 Res. │74 Res.
│ │79 Res. │ │79 Res. │ │92 Res.
│ │ (2 │ │ (2 │ │
│ │ Btns.) │ │ Btns.) │ │
│ 10 Res. Jag. Btn. │ 10 Res. Jag. Btn. │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼─────────┴─────────
Cavalry. │6 Res. Dragoon Rgt.│6 Res. Drag. Rgt. │6 Res. Drag. Rgt.
│ (3 Sqns.). │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │19 Res. F. A. Rgt. │19 Res. F. A. Rgt. │19 Res. F. A. Rgt.
│ (6 Btries.). │ (8 Btries.). │ 2 Mountain Btry.
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│1 and 2 Res. Cos. 2│1 and 2 Res. Cos. 2│1 and 2 Res. Cos. 2
Liaisons. │ Pion. Btn. No. │ Pion. Btn. No. │ Pion. Btn. No.
│ 10. │ 10. │ 10.
│ │19 Res. Tel. Detch.│6 Field Co. 1 Pion.
│ │ │ Btn. No. 10.
│ │19 Res. Pont. Engs.│219 T. M. Co.
│ │ │
│ │ │19 Res. Tel. Detch.
│ │ │
│ │ │19 Res. Pont. Engs.
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │ │ │
Veterinary.│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transports. │ │ │
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────

─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1917 │ 1918
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │39 Res. │73 Res. │39 Res. │73 Res.
│ │78 Res. │ │78 Res.
│ │92 Res. │ │92 Res.
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
─────────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────
Cavalry. │1 Sqn. 6 Res. Drag.│3 Sqn. 6 Res. Drag.
│ Rgt. │ Rgt.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │19 Res. F. A. Rgt. │19 Res. F. A. Rgt.
│ │
│ │2 Abt. 3 Ft. A.
│ │ Rgt. (Staff, and
│ │ 5, 7, and 9
│ │ Btries.).
│ │741 Light Am. Col.
│ │742 Light Am. Col.
│ │745 Light Am. Col.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│319 Pion. Btn. │319 Pion. Btn.
Liaisons. │ │
│ │
│ 1 Res. Co. 10 │ 1 Res. Co. 10
│ Pions. │ Pions.
│ 219 T. M. Co. │ 2 Res. Co. 10
│ │ Pions.
│ 290 Searchlight │ 54 Searchlight
│ Section. │ Section.
│ 419 Tel. Detch. │419 Signal Command:
│ │ 419 Tel. Detch.
│ │ 32 Wireless Detch.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │510 Ambulance Co. │510 Ambulance Co.
Veterinary.│ │
│46 Res. Field │46 Res. Field
│ Hospital. │ Hospital.
│47 Res. Field │48 Res. Field
│ Hospital. │ Hospital.
│48 Res. Field │200 Vet. Hospital.
│ Hospital. │
│Vet. Hospital. │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transports. │M. T. Col. │718 M. T. Col.
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────

HISTORY.

(10th Corps District.—Hanover; Grand Duchy of Oldenburg; Duchy of
Brunswick.)

1914.

BELGIUM-MARNE.

1. The 19th Reserve Division, constituting at the outbreak of the war, with the 2d Reserve Guard Division, the 10th Reserve Corps, was a part of the 2d Army (Von Buelow). It entrained near Cologne August 10–12, was concentrated at the Elsenhorn Camp and entered Belgium on the 15th by way of Spa. Going down the left bank of the Meuse near Liége, it crossed the Sambre west of Charleroi on the 22d; went into action on the 23d at Nalinnes; entered France on the 26th at Avesnes, and fought on the 29th and 30th between St. Quentin and Ribemont. Continuing on its way through Braine, it crossed the Marne at Dormans and took part in the battle of the Marne between Vauchamps and Montmirail (Sept. 6 to 7).

2. It retired on the 7th by way of Orbais, Vertus, Epernay, Rilly la Montagne (Sept. 10), Rheims (Sept. 12).

CHAMPAGNE.

3. It fought, in the middle of September, north of Rheims and established itself on the front Brimont-Courcy-Bétheny (October- December).

1915.

1. The division occupied the sector north of Rheims until the beginning of February, 1915.

PERTHES.

2. About February 2, elements of the division were transferred to the Somme Py and went into action in the Perthes les Hurlus area, where they took part in serious battles.

3. The division remained in Champagne (Souain-Perthes) until the month of April.

ALSACE.

4. About the end of April it was sent to Alsace (valley of the Fecht). At this time, the 10th Reserve Corps was broken up because of the employment of its two divisions on two separate fronts (19th Reserve Division, Vosges, 2d Reserve Guard Division, in the north). These two divisions are now independent. The 19th Reserve Division suffered very heavily in Alsace (valley of the Fecht) and lost 154 officers and 5,033 men (Official List of Casualties), of whom 60 officers and 1,964 men belong to the 74th Reserve Infantry Regiment.

CHAMPAGNE.

5. On September 30 the 37th Reserve Brigade entrained to reenforce the units engaged in the Tahure sector (Champagne), where it went into action on October 8.

ALSACE.

6. The 37th Reserve Brigade rejoined the 39th Reserve Brigade in Alsace at the beginning of November. At this time the entire division was concentrated in the vicinity of Mulhouse.

7. In December elements of the 19th Reserve Division took part in the struggle for the possession of Hartmannswillerkopf (Dec. 21–29).

1916.

1. The 19th Reserve Division remained in the Meuse area until March, 1916.

VERDUN.

2. About March 15 the division entrained and was transferred to Verdun. It went into action in the sector Douaumont-Haudremont-Thiaumont (Apr. 17 to June 21). Its regiments made successive attacks and suffered heavily (attacks of Apr. 17, 24, May 7, and June 21). At the end of April and during the month of May, elements of the division were sent to rest in the vicinity of Montmédy.

ARGONNE.

3. At the beginning of July the 19th Reserve Division was withdrawn from the Verdun front and went into the Argonne (La Harazee). It had lost 79 per cent of its infantry at Verdun. From April 25 to July 19 the 4th Company of the 74th Infantry Regiment had received no less than 195 men as replacements; the 9th Company of the 73d Infantry Regiment, 211 men.

SOMME.

4. On October 10 it was transferred to the Somme (sector of Gueudecourt les Boeufs) and took part in limited actions which caused serious losses.

CÔTES DE MEUSE.

5. Relieved on October 26–28, it went into line on the Côtes de Meuse (Les Éparges) on October 31.

1917.

CHEMIN DES DAMES.

1. On February 18, 1917, the 19th Reserve Division left the Éparges sector for the front south of Laon. Concentrated in the region of Arrancy-Ste. Croix, it went into line about March 1, on the crest of the Chemin des Dames (Ailles-Hurtebise). It underwent the French attack of April 16, which caused it to suffer severely (900 prisoners).

On April 20 elements of the Division launched a counterattack (Poteau d’Ailles). The 19th Reserves Division remained in line until April 21.

RUSSIA.

2. After two weeks’ rest in the vicinity of Sissonne, the division was transferred to Russia. It entrained at La Capelle on May 7. Itinerary: Charleroi-Namur-Liége-Aix le Chapelle-Dusseldorf-Hanover-Berlin- Bromberg-Koenigsberg-Shavli-Mitau; detraining at Gross-Ekkau on May 11, it was called on July 23 to help the exhausted 226th Division between Smorgoni and Krevo.

RIGA.

3. At the end of August or the beginning of September the division took part in the operations which began at the taking of Riga and of Duenamuende (September).

FRANCE.

4. On September 11 the division entrained near Uxkull for the Western Front. Itinerary: Mitau-Shavli-Koenigsberg-Posen-Cottbus-Leipzig-Gotha- Mayence-Kreuznach-Luxemburg-Sedan-Hirson. It detrained at Vervins on September 17.

FLANDERS.

5. Transferred to Flanders (Sept. 20–24) it occupied the Polygon wood sector east of Ypres (Sept. 28). It underwent the British attack of October 4, when it lost very heavily. It was relieved immediately. (On Sept. 29 the 12th Company of the 92d Reserve Infantry Regiment had only 3 officers and 86 men.)

MEUSE.

6. After a rest near Sedan, in the course of which it was reorganized with mixed replacements from Beverloo and the recruit depot of the 228th Division, the division went northwest of Verdun in October (Malancourt sector).

7. Sent to rest in the Stenay area on December 22, the 19th Reserve Division occupied the Chaume wood sector on January 15, 1918. It was still there at the beginning of March.

RECRUITING.

The 19th Reserve Division is recruited from the 10th Corps District (Hanover, Oldenburg, Brunswick). There are few elements foreign to the district.

VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.

During the French offensive on the Chemin des Dames on April 16 the 19th Reserve Division gave the impression of having energetic and intelligent leadership. The attitude of the men was generally good.

The division suffered enormous losses on the Aisne.

The quality of the replacements received and its stay on the Russian front have diminished the value of this division, which was a good combat unit.

The presence of a certain number of Poles and Alsatians must be noted who are inclined to desertion (67 deserters from the 73d Reserve Infantry Regiment on Sept. 28, 1917). (November, 1917.)

1918.

1. About April 6 the division was relieved and moved to Belgium, entering line at Dixmude on April 17.

BATTLE OF THE LYS.

2. On the 25th the division moved south and reenforced the battle front at Vierstraat. It fought in the Ypres area until May 1, when it was relieved, after losing about 40 per cent of its effectives.

CHAMPAGNE.

3. The division appeared in Champagne on May 10, taking over the sector west of the Suippe from the 232d Division. About June 1 a battalion of the 78th Reserve Regiment was detached and took part in the attack on Rheims. Afterwards it returned and the complete division was in its sector on June 15. The division was withdrawn from Champagne just before the July offensive.

4. It was reengaged in Champagne on July 27 south of Le Mont sans Nom. It continued in this sector until the 1st of September.

5. The division moved directly from line in Champagne to line south of Concy le Chateau, where it was engaged until October 14. Withdrawn from the Selle front, elements of the division were immediately engaged on the Oise at Mont d’Origny (Oct. 17), but the bulk of the division was not identified until October 24, south of Catillon. Until the armistice the division fought in the vicinity of Catillon (Nov. 4), Fesmy (5th), Prisches (6th), Lemont Fontaine (8th).

VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.

The division was rated as first class. In 1918, except for the Lys offensive in April, the division was engaged only on the defensive.

19th. Ersatz Division.

COMPOSITION.

─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1914 │ 1915 │ 1916
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │ │Ers. │45 Mixed │23 Ers. │45 Mixed │23 Ers.
│ │ Btns.: │ Ers. │ │ Ers. │
│45 Mixed │45 and │ │32 Ers. │ │32 Ers.
│ Ers. │ 46. │ │ │ │
│ │63 and │47 Mixed │47 and 48│47 Mixed │24 Ers.
│ │ 64. │ Ers. │ (Brig. │ Ers. │
│ │ │ │ Ers. │ │
│ │ │ │ Btns.).│ │
│47 Mixed │47 and │ │ │ │40 Ers.
│ Ers. │ 48. │ │ │ │
│ │88 and │ │88 and 89│ │
│ │ 89. │ │ (Brig. │ │
│ │ │ │ Ers. │ │
│ │ │ │ Btns.).│ │
─────────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────
Cavalry. │ │ │4 and 5 Sqns. 19
│ │ │ Hus. Rgt.
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │1 Ers. Abtls. of │1 Ers. Abtls. of 28│45 Ers. F. A. Rgt.
│ the 28 and 48 F. │ and 48 F. A. │
│ A. Rgts. │ Rgts. │
│1 Ers. Abtls. of 32│1 Ers. Abtls. of 32│47 Ers. F. A. Rgt.
│ and 77 F. A. │ and 77 F. A. │
│ │ Rgts. │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│1 Ers. Co. 12 │1 Ers. Co. 12 │1 Ers. Co. 12
Liaisons. │ Pions. │ Pions. │ Pions.
│1 Ers. Co. 22 │1 Ers. Co. 22 │1 Ers. Co. 22
│ Pions. │ Pions. │ Pions.
│ │254 Pion. Co. │254 Pion. Co.
│ │ │
│ │ │88 Res. Pion. Co.
│ │ │164 T. M. Co.
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │ │ │
Veterinary.│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transports. │ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Attached. │5 Bav. Ldw. Brig. │5 Bav. Ldw. Brig. │21 Labor Btn.
│ (4 Bav. Ldw. and │ (4 Bav. Ldw., 5 │
│ 5 Bav. Ldw. │ Bav. Ldw., and 60│
│ Rgts.) │ Res. Rgts.). │
│ │100 Ldw. Inf. Rgt. │85 Labor Btn.
│ │9 Jag. Btn. │4 Btn. 15 Ldw. Rgt.
│ │ │ (Until April.)
│ │ │60 Res. Inf. Rgt.
│ │ │100 Ldw. Inf. Rgt.
│ │ │ (Until October.)
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────

─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1917 │ 1918
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │45 Ers. │23 Ers. │45 Ers. │23 Ers.
│ │ │ │
│ │24 Ers. │ │24 Ers.
│ │ │ │
│ │32 Ers. │ │32 Ers.
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
─────────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────
Cavalry. │5 Sqn. 19 Hus. Rgt.│5 Sqn. 19 Hus. Rgt.
│ │
│1 Ers. Sqn. 12 C. │
│ List. │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │47 Ers. F. A. Rgt. │47 Ers. F. A. Rgt.
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│519 Pion. Btn.: │519 Pion. Btn.:
Liaisons. │ │
│ 1 Ers. Co. 12 │ 1 Ers. Co. 12
│ Pions. │ Pions.
│ 1 Ers. Co. 22 │ 1 Ers. Co. 22
│ Pions. │ Pions.
│ 254 Pion. Co. │ 164 T. M. Co.
│ 164 T. M. Co. │ 1 Searchlight
│ │ Section.
│ 253 Searchlight │569 Signal Command:
│ Section. │
│ 569 Tel. Detch. │ 569 Tel. Detch.
│ │ 47 Wireless Detch.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │272 Ambulance Co. │272 Ambulance Co.
Veterinary.│ │
│506 Field Hospital.│506 Field Hospital.
│507 Field Hospital.│518 Vet. Hospital.
│Vet. Hospital. │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transports. │M. T. Col. │766 M. T. Col.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Attached. │ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│ │
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────

HISTORY.

(12th and 19th Corps Districts—Saxony.)

1914.

VOSGES.

1. The 19th Ersatz Division (Saxon) detrained on August 18, 1914, before Strassburg. In action in the Vosges on the 20th, it went up the valley of the Bruche and fought on the Meurthe below St. Die, at St. Michel, and advanced to La Salle (Sept. 6).

LORRAINE.

2. Having suffered in these engagements, the division was withdrawn. On September 19 it was in the Blamont area, where it was reenforced by the 5th Bavarian Landwehr Brigade. It occupied the sector of Blamont-Ember- Menil-Parroy.

1915.

LORRAINE.

1. In 1915, and until October, 1916, it guarded the same front in Lorraine (from the canal of the Marne to the Rhine as far as the Cirey area).

2. About the month of April the 100th Landwehr was reattached to the division, the battalions of which were grouped in July into 4 Ersatz Regiments (Nos. 23, 32, 24, 40).

1916.

LORRAINE.

1. During its stay in Lorraine the 19th Ersatz Division was not engaged in any serious fighting. The 23d Ersatz alone took part in the affair of Thiaville, February 28, 1916.

COTES DE MEUSE.

2. Relieved in the area of Badonviller-Leintrey, at the beginning of October, 1916, the 19th Ersatz Division was reduced to three regiments (23d, 32d, 24th Ersatz) and sent to the Briey area (Oct. 8) and from there to Verdun (sector of Watronville-Damloup).

1917.

COTES DE MEUSE.

1. The 19th Ersatz Division remained in the same sector of the Cotes de Meuse for almost all of the year 1917. It lost very slightly.

2. Withdrawn from the sector Moranville-Watronville about November, the division was sent to rest in the Longwy area.

BEZONVAUX.

3. About December 8, it was assembled and sent to Spincourt where, on December 11, it went into line north of Bezonvaux.

RECRUITING.

The 19th Ersatz Division is recruited from the Kingdom of Saxony.

VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.

The 19th Ersatz Division remained in Lorraine for a long time; it did not take part in any serious battles. After October, 1916, it only occupied quiet sectors on the Cotes de Meuse.

It can not be considered as an attack division.

1918.

1. The division occupied the quiet Beaumont sector until June 30, when it was put at rest near Longuyon until July 11. During this time the division was given training to fit it for a war of movement. On July 16 it was moved to the Rheims front. Entrained at Montmedy on the 12th, the division reached Nouvion Porcien the next day, and went by stages to Bermericourt (northeast of Rheims), where it rested in reserve. On the 17th it moved to the vicinity of Rozoy.

BATTLE OF THE AISNE AND MARNE.

2. From July 20 to 31 the division was engaged in severe fighting at Plessier-Huleu and Grand Rozoy.

3. It rested near Marle until the 21st of August undergoing reconstruction. It entrained on that date at Voyenne and reached La Fere the next day, from where it marched to Barisis and Folembray.

BATTLE OF THE AILETTE.

4. The division entered the line in the Quierzy-Manicamp-Champs area on August 23. It sustained a French attack on the 28th, losing nearly 500 prisoners. The division was withdrawn on September 3.

5. The division was moved by train from Voyenne to Haboudange via Marle, Montcornet, Sedan, Montmedy, Longuyon, Audun le Roman, Thionville, Metz, and Benestroff. It marched to Hampont to the Huhnerwald Camp, where it rested until September 15.

LORRAINE.

6. It entered line at Arracourt on the 15th and occupied that quiet sector until the end of hostilities.

VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.

The division was rated as third class. In 1918 it saw but two weeks’ service on an active front.

19th Landwehr Division.

COMPOSITION.

─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1916 │ 1917 │ 1918
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │91 Res. │383 Ldw. │91 Res. │383 Ldw. │ │383 Ldw.
│ │385 Ldw. │ │385 Ldw. │ │385 Ldw.
│ │388 Ldw. │ │388 Ldw. │ │
─────────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────
Cavalry. │ │ (?) │2 Sqn. 6 Res. Hus.
│ │ │ Rgt.
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │281 F. A. Rgt. │Art. Command: │
│ │ 91 F. A. Rgt. │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│ │(419) Pion. Btn.: │519 Signal Command:
Liaisons. │ │ │
│ │ 303 Pion. Co. │ 519 Tel. Detch.
│ │ 319 T. M. Co. │
│ │ Tel. Detch. │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │ │226 Ambulance Co. │226 Ambulance Co.
Veterinary.│ │ │
│ │396 Field Hospital.│396 Field Hospital.
│ │91 Res. Field │10 Field Hospital.
│ │ Hospital. │
│ │519 Vet. Hospital. │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transports. │ │788 M. T. Col. │788 M. T. Col.
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────

HISTORY.

(383d Landwehr Regiment: 3d Corps District—Brandenburg. 385th Landwehr Regiment: 7th Corps District—Westphalia. 388th Landwehr Regiment: 12th Corps District—Saxony.)

1916.

BELGIUM.

1. The 19th Landwehr Division was formed at the same time as the divisions of the 200 Series (September-October, 1916). It was formed at Cortemarck on September 29, 1916, by the union of the 383d, 385th, and 388th Landwehr Regiments. These were made up of Landsturm battalions (Service of Supplies) of the 4th Army in Belgium, to which were added returned wounded. The 3d Battalion of the 388th Landwehr Regiment (Saxon) is the old 4th Battalion of the 100th Landwehr.

DIXMUDE.

2. In the beginning of October, 1916, the 19th Landwehr Division replaced the 204th Division in the Dixmude-Steenstraat sector. It remained there more than a year.

1917.

RUSSIA.

1. Relieved from the Dixmude front about the middle of October, 1917, the 19th Landwehr Division was transferred to Russia at the beginning of November.

RIGA.

2. Arriving in the Riga area about November 15, it went into line near the coast.

VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.

The 19th Landwehr Division is made up either of elderly soldiers or those of mediocre physical strength, forming a body of men incapable, it appears, of an offensive effort.

In Belgium, however, the division organized an assault troop capable of making assaults.

1918.

LIVONIA.

1. The 19th Landwehr Division was identified on the shores of the Baltic in March. The 383d Landwehr Regiment was at Libau on May 8; the 385th Landwehr Regiment at Riga on the 15th.

FINLAND.

2. Toward the end of July all three regiments of the division were identified in Finland, but seem to have gone to Esthonia by August, where they were again identified in October.

VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.

The division was rated as fourth class.

20th Division.

COMPOSITION.

─────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────┬───────────────────
│ 1914 │ 1915 │ 1916
─────────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────┼─────────┬─────────
│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.│Brigade. │Regiment.
─────────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────┼─────────
Infantry. │39. │79. │39. │79. │40. │77.
│ │164. │ │164. │ │79.
│40. │77. │40. │77. │ │92.
│ │92. │ │92. │ │
─────────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────┼─────────┴─────────
Cavalry. │17 Hus. Rgt. (3 │ │17 Hus. Rgt. (2
│ Sqns.). │ │ Sqns.).
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Artillery. │20 Brig.: │20 Brig.: │20 Brig.:
│ 10 F. A. Rgt. │ 10 F. A. Rgt. │ 10 F. A. Rgt.
│ 46 F. A. Rgt. │ 46 F. A. Rgt. │ 46 F. A. Rgt.
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Engineers and│ │1 Pion. Btn. No. │1 Pion. Btn. No.
Liaisons. │ │ 10: │ 10:
│ │ Field Co. 10 │ 2 Co. 10 Pions.
│ │ Pions. │
│ │ 20 Pont. Engs. │ 20 T. M. Co.
│ │ 20 Tel. Detch. │ 20 Tel. Detch.
│ │ │ 20 Pont. Engs.
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Medical and │ │ │
Veterinary.│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Transports. │ │ │
─────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────┼───────────────────
Attached. │ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
│ │ │
─────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────┴───────────────────