After the last combats of Flanders (July and September, 1917), the 17th Division was considered as having its combative force perceptibly diminished on account of its losses.
In a general manner, the division has given a good account of itself in the course of its battles.
The Danes, who are numerous in its ranks, fight well and do not appear to occasion any weakness. (October, 1917.)
1918.
Battle of Picardy.
1. The division was relieved on the Acheville sector on February 17–18 by the 12th Reserve Division and went to rest near Douai until mid-March. On March 21 it was engaged near Lagnicourt and Moreuil (southeast of Arras), north of Vaulx-Vraucourt (22d), at Beliagnies and Lapigines (24th). The division was relieved on the 25th, after losing 50 per cent of its effectives. It rested until April 1, when it was reengaged near Bucquoy until the 10th.
2. The division was relieved by the 5th Bavarian Division, retired to the Favreuil-Sapignies-Beugnatre area on the 10th, and the next day went into billets near Cambrai. Later it moved to the Valenciennes area. On May 24 it left Bouchain and traveled via Marquion to Bapaume, where it came into line on that evening. While resting the division had undergone no special training. It is known to have received 1,300 men as a draft during this period.
3. It was reengaged in the Bucquoy sector from May 24 to June 23, when it returned to rest near Bouchain until July 17. The division was moved to Laon on July 24–25 and from there marched to the Vesle front by stage.
Vesle.
4. About August 1 the division went into line between Bazoches and Mont Notre Dame. It fell back on the Aisne toward Bourg et Comin from September 3–4, where it was relieved on September 15–16. The German communique of August 28 mentioned the 89th Grenadier Regiment for its conduct against the Americans at Bazoches.