Russia.
3. Almost as soon as it was formed the 23d Landwehr Division was transferred to the Eastern Front (entraining of the 26th Landwehr Regiment on May 19). Itinerary: Carignan-Liége—Coblentz-Cassel-Halle-Cottbus-Gnessen-Graudenz-Koenigsberg-Chavli-Poneviej. Going into line about May 25 in the vicinity of Illukst (Courland) the division remained in this sector until February, 1918. It was too much weakened to contribute replacements to the division destined to operate in France, as, for example, the 87th Division. On December 28 the 1st and 2d Companies of the 347th Infantry Regiment each received some 75 to 80 men from the 23d Landwehr Division.
VALUE.
The 23d Landwehr Division is composed entirely of elderly men; in May 1917, the recruit depots of the division furnished men from 40 to 46 years of age. At the end of 1917 the best elements had been taken for use on the Western Front.
1918.
Dvinsk.
1. Beginning in February, the 23d Landwehr Division occupied the Dvinsk region. A man of the division wrote from that city under date of March 15: “We have been here since the 20th of February. The 23d Landwehr Regiment, to which I belong, is to remain in Russia for guard duty. We hold the new frontier.” The 26th Landwehr and 27th Landwehr Regiments and divisional headquarters were identified here on May 9. On the 18th of May, elements of the 27th Landwehr Regiment were in the vicinity of Riejitsa.
VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.
The division was rated as fourth class.