France.
Withdrawn from this front at the beginning of October it entrained for France, beginning the 7th, southeast of Tarnopol, and traveled via Lemberg-Cracow-Dresden-Cassel-Coblentz-Treves-Thionville-Montmedy-Charleville-Vouziers.
Aisne.
5. After staying a few days around Vouziers and Marle the division was sent on October 23, the date of the French offensive, precipitately near Laon. October 24 and 25 it took over a sector on the Ailette in the region of Lizy (Urcel sector) and was still holding it January 24, 1918, after a period of rest in Laon in November.
RECRUITING.
Same remarks as for the 5th Division.
VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
The 3d Army Corps was always considered as one of the star corps of the Prussian Army. The 6th Division was among the best in Germany.
The military qualities seem to have been considerably lessened after the losses suffered, notably before Verdun and in the Mont Haut sector. It must be noted, however, that, according to the examination of a deserter on November 2, 1917, the 396th Regiment is still considered as an excellent unit whose morale is intact.
Losses before Verdun (February to May, 1916): 20th Infantry, 2,904 men (633 killed); 24th Infantry, 2,691 (584 killed); 64th Infantry, 2,819 (603 killed); 3d Battalion of Chasseurs, 1,422 (219 killed). Total, 9,831 men (2,039 killed).