The 4th Division was always a very good division and gave proof of very fine military qualities in all the battles in which it took part, especially in the sector of Sapigneul during the offensives of April 16 and May 4, 1917. It would seem that the nature of the replacements they received, especially the most recent ones, has considerably altered the value of this division.
1918.
1. The division was relieved from the front of Armentieres on January 23, and went to rest and instruction in the Oisene area (southwest of Deyuze). After four weeks the division entrained at Roubaix on March 16 and detrained at Douai on the following day. Hence it marched by stages to Neuville St. Remy, a suburb of Cambrai. The division was concentrated south of Inchy on the night of March 20–21.
Battle of Picardy.
2. Engaged on March 21, the division advanced by Doignies and Herrnies. It passed to rest on the 24th and was reengaged from March 26 to April 6 at Miraumont, Hebuterne, and Colincamps. The division suffered very heavy losses in the engagement.
3. Relieved from the Hebuterne front on April 6, the division rested two weeks in the Bapaune-Cambrai area. The division moved north to the Lys front via Douai-Lille.
Battle of the Lys.
4. The division was in line west of Merville from April 23 to May 14.
5. While at rest north of Tournai, the division was reconstituted and prepared for another heavy engagement.
6. The division entrained for Loos on June 30 and moved on to Sailly sur la Lys on July 18.