Alsace.
1. In the middle of January, 1917, the 39th Bavarian Reserve Division was sent back to its former sector in the vicinity of Ste. Marie aux Mines (Wisembach, Lusse, Provenchères) which it occupied from then on without changing.
VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
Except in December, 1916, at Verdun, the 39th Bavarian Reserve Division has always occupied the same sector of the Vosges. Its combat value appears mediocre.
The average age of the men in the 1st and 5th Bavarian Ersatz Regiments is between 30 and 40 years (April to July, 1918).
In February and March, 1918, all the younger elements (20 to 26 years) were withdrawn from the division and sent to active and reserve regiments.
1918.
Alsace.
1. The 39th Bavarian Reserve Division was still in its sector in Alsace, northwest of Ste. Marie aux Mines, on the 11th of November.