RECRUITING.
Mixed at the time of its formation (1 Hanseatic Regiment), the 45th Reserve Division was recruited almost entirely from Pomerania, in theory at least, after its reduction to three regiments. Like the other units recruited from this province (4th Division), at the end of 1915 and several times since then, it has received a relatively large proportion of elderly men (1892 to 1894 classes, trained and untrained).
VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
The 45th Reserve Division fought well on the Somme. It put up a vigorous defense on the Aisne in the course of its two engagements of April 16 and May 6, 1917.
The Pomeranians, who formed the greater part of its effectives, have a military reputation to sustain. However, according to the statements of prisoners, when the 212th Reserve Infantry Regiment came from the Verdun front to Flanders it refused to attack on September 30, 1917. (British Summary of Information, Oct. 4.)
1918.
St. Quentin.
1. Toward the end of January the division relieved the 36th Division near Faye (north of St. Quentin), the latter division side slipping toward the south. It remained here and took part in the initial attack of the Somme offensive; it was withdrawn about the 24th of March. It was not entirely withdrawn on that date, however, for besides still having some elements in line, the rest of the division was in close support as a “follow up” division. In this fighting it lost heavily.
Montdidier.
2. A few days later it went to rest in the Montdidier area. Early in April it entered line near Assainvillers (east of Montdidier), where it was identified on the 6th, and was relieved by the 206th Division on the 18th, going to rest and refit in the region of Vouziers.