9. At this time it was withdrawn from the front. It entrained for Metz November 10. In December it was in the vicinity of Sissone.
Aisne.
10. About December 13 it entered the line in the Craonne sector (Juvincourt area). At the beginning of January it took over the neighboring sector (Bouconville).
VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
Very mediocre morale. The 49th Reserve Regiment was very severely tested by losses and desertions to such a point that it had to be returned to the rear after August 18, 1917. September 26 the 8th Company of the same regiment refused to take part in the attack. The relatively high proportion of men of the 2d Landsturm levy may be responsible for these facts, since they formed part of the regiments of the Second District.
According to prisoners captured in February, 1918, the 3d Reserve Division seemed to be of mediocre quality: “6,000 men lost in Flanders, poorly replaced by men 50 per cent of whom were old, many being above 40, and by 30 per cent Poles.”
Nevertheless, despite the mediocrity of its personnel, it must be noted that the 49th Reserve was subjected to a special training for attack troops in November and December.
1918.
Laon.
1. The division held the line in the Craonne sector until about April 20, when it was relieved.