The 36th Reserve Division is recruited from West Prussia and the eastern part of Pomerania. It contained a large number of Alsace-Lorrainers during its stay on the Western Front.
VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
In Russia the 36th Reserve Division took part in several major operations.
It did not come to the Western Front until June, 1917.
1918.
Battle of the Lys.
1. The division was relieved in the Foret de Holthust on April 4 by the 1st Landwehr Division, and marched via Amersveld to Cortemarch, where it entrained and arrived at Courtrai on April 5. It left Courtrai on the 8th and marched toward Armentieres. On the 10th the division followed up the German advance in support of an assault division, and on the 11th came into action north of Armentieres. Losses were severe and the division retired about April 13 to rest. It returned in the Ploegsteert area on April 17 and went to rest in the Roulers area. On May 11, the division came back to line for the third time north of Hinges.
2. It was withdrawn about May 25, rested behind the front until June 11, when it relieved the 235th Division northwest of Bethune, which sector it held until about June 22.
Lens.
3. On June 26 the division entered line in Artois area, southeast of Loos. It held this quiet sector until October 2.