The 23d Division is purely Saxon.
VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
The 23d Division is very good.
It lost very heavily at the time of the offensive, April, 1917, in Champagne, but still appeared good.
1918.
In February, 1918, the morale of the division seemed high.
1. The division continued in the sector northwest of Rheims (Courcy-Brimont) until about February 20, where it was relieved by the 213th Division and moved toward the Somme front.
2. It was transported to Neufchatel on the 23d. From there it proceeded by stages to north of Guise (Esqueheries, La Neuville-le-Dorengt). It rested and underwent training in this area until March 18. It marched by night toward the front by way of Bohain, Fresnoy le Grand (where the Kaiser inspected it), Le Verguier (evening of Mar. 21–22).
Battle of the Somme.
3. The division followed the advance in third line from March 22 to 29 through Holnon, Beauvois, Athies, St. Christ, Chaulnes, Rosieres, Beaucourt en Santerre. It was engaged from March 29 to April 3 (Mezieres, Villers aux Erables, La Neuville Sire Bernard). Its advance continued to a line east of Mailly-Rainval, Sauvillers. It was in second line from April 2 to 7, when it returned to line near Grievesnes until April 13. The division’s losses were estimated to have been about 70 per cent in the fighting.