The 21st Reserve Division is a good division. (October, 1917.)
On the Aisne front (April to May, 1917) the 21st Reserve Division held a difficult sector. The unsuccessful counterattacks which it launched there diminished its offensive value. Nevertheless, on the whole, it gave a good account of itself.
In Champagne (August to October, 1917) its activity was limited to a few assaults carried out energetically.
1918.
1. In the March offensive the division advanced from la Vacquerie to Beaumont Hamel, which it reached on March 27. Here the line stabilized and it held this sector throughout April, May, and June. It was relieved by the 16th Reserve Division on the night of July 3–4.
Battle of the Somme.
2. The division rested in the Bapaume area until it returned to line northwest of Hamelincourt on August 6–7, relieving the 5th Bavarian Division. It met the British attack in the region and was driven back through Croisilles, Cherisy, and St. Leger until its withdrawal on August 30. Nine hundred prisoners were lost in the engagement.
3. The division rested in the Tournai area until September 18, when it reenforced the front south of Villers-Guislain. About this time the 81st Reserve Regiment was broken up and distributed among the regiments of the 21st Reserve Division. The division fought at Gouzeaucourt (28th), Gonnelieu (30th), Banteux (30th), Gouy (Oct. 3), Beaurevoir (5th), Villers Outreaux (8th), Clary (9th), Le Cateau (11th). After losing 1,550 prisoners the division was withdrawn on October 17. According to a divisional order of October 1, the strength was so low as to warrant the reduction in half of the normal allotment of kitchen and supply wagons.
4. The division returned from close reserve on October 23 northeast of Haussy. In the closing days it fought at Vendegies (24th), Ruesnes (24th), Orsinval (Nov. 2), southwest of Wargnies le Grand (4th), east of Villers Pol and in the Gommegnies sector (5th). The division withdrew on November 8.