VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
Although not as good as at the beginning of the war, the morale of the 5th Division seemed good and its fighting value worthy of consideration (July 17).
1918.
1. After its return from Italy the division rested and trained at Chenois, near Charleville, from January 1 to March 1, when it moved to Anderlues-Resbaix (west of Charleroi) from March 1 to 14. On that date it moved to the front by night marches by Maubeuge, Landrecies, Wassigny, and Etaves.
Battle of Picardy.
2. It took its place in line between Lesdins and Remancourt (north of St. Quentin) on the night of March 20–21. The next day it was engaged in support of the 25th Division, advancing via Morcourt and Fayet. It took part in the attack on Holnon Wood and reached Attilly that night. It continued to advance on the 22d via Beauvois-Lanchy-Uguy-Quivieres-Croix-Moleguaux to a point east of Falvy. On the 24th it forced the crossing of the Somme at Falvy and Pargny and reached Morchain that night. It was at Omilcourt on the 25th and captured Chaulnes on the 26th; from there it advanced to Fouquescourt and Rouvroy on the 27th, crossed the Avre, and when the line stabilized near Aubvillers the division withdrew, March 28. Its losses in the fighting were extremely heavy. In crossing the Somme it especially distinguished itself.
3. The division rested until April 3, when it was reengaged between Sauvillers and Grivesnes from April 3–12. It again lost heavily, especially the 52d Regiment, during the attack of April 4 near the Bois de Arrachies.
4. It rested and trained from April 13 to May 23 at Iron et Vadencourt, near Guise. It is known to have received 1,000 men from Beverloo on April 14. From May 23 to 26 it marched toward the Aisne front by night, through Parpeville, Monceau le Neuf, Aisis sur Serre, Couvron, Laniscourt, Foucancourt.
Battle of the Aisne.
5. On the night of June 26 it entered line southeast of Lizy. In the offensive the division advanced by Chavignon, Malmaison, Uregny, region of Pommiers, Mercin, Pernant, east of Ambleny. It was partially relieved on June 7 and the last elements withdrawn by June 13.