RECRUITING.
The 28th Division is recruited almost exclusively from Baden. A slight admixture from the 4th Corps District. The 40th Fusileers, although a Prussian regiment, was recruited in the Grand Duchy of Baden.
VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
The 28th Division has always given a good account of itself and must be considered a good division (July, 1917).
At the beginning of March, 1917, it carried out an attack against the Caurières wood with a great deal of vigor. A division order (dated Mar. 3, 1917) found on a corpse praises the heroism of the valiant troops of the 28th Division and calls its regiments “The conquerors of Lorette.”
1918.
Aisne.
1. The division held the Butte du Mesnil sector continuously until May 13, when it rested for 10 days in the vicinity of Vouziers. On May 23 the division entrained at Montcornet and was moved to the region of Laon. It came into line on May 31, reenforcing the Aisne battle front between Chateau de Maucreux and Troësnes. It was relieved on June 8 by the 10th Reserve Division.
Second Battle of the Marne.
2. Its stay out of line was short, for on June 13 it again relieved the 50th Division near Verneuil; about this time the divisional commander, Lieut. Gen. Hahn, was decorated. The division was withdrawn from the Marne front about July 1. It returned to reenforce the battle line near Chaumuzy, southwest of Rheims on July 24. It fell back to the Vesle, where it held the line until August 26.