The 242d Division was formed at the end of 1916. Like all of the divisions of the same series, the 1918 class entered largely into the composition of the regiments (475th and 476th). These two were recruited from the 13th Corps District (Wurttemberg). Initial effectiveness, 235 to 240 men per company.
The 127th Infantry Regiment is an active peace-time regiment taken from the 27th Division.
1. On March 11, 1917, the 475th and 476th Infantry Regiments left the camp of Muensingen, where they had received training since January, and went to Lorraine. They were joined there by the 127th Infantry Regiment.
Lorraine.
2. From March 29 to April 30 the 242d Division was in line between Abaucourt and Bezange wood.
3. From May 4 to 15 it was employed upon defensive works north of the Suippe.
Champagne-Cornillet.
4. During the night of May 15–16 it went into line south of Nauroy (Grille-Cornillet wood), where the French attack of May 20 caused it heavy losses (3 officers and 194 men prisoners). Several companies of the 476th Infantry Regiment remained in the Cornillet tunnel.
5. The 242d Division was relieved during the night of May 31-June 1, and after a few days’ rest northeast of Lavannes went into line in a calm sector near Betheny from June 3–4 until August 6.
6. The 242d Division was at rest in the Charleville area from August 7 to 20.