1. The 51st Reserve Division (of the series of divisions created between August and October, 1914), forming the 26th Reserve Corps with the 52d Reserve Division, went into action northeast of Ypres in the middle of October. It fought on the line Cortemarck-Moorslede on the 22d, reached Langemarck on the 24th, and finally took up its position near Poelcappelle.
1915.
Ypres.
1. The division remained in the area northeast of Ypres (Poelcappelle, Langemarck, St. Julien) during the entire year of 1915, and until September, 1916. In September, 1916, it transferred the 233d Reserve Infantry Regiment to the 195th Division, a new formation, in consequence of the Russian advance in Galicia.
1916.
Somme.
1. On September 16, 1916, the 51st Reserve Division was relieved from the sector of Wieltje (north of the Ypres-Zonnebeke road) and transferred to the Somme. It went into action between Combles and Morval about December 18 and suffered very heavy losses from the British attack of the 26th.
Champagne.
2. After occupying the Lille front (Neuve Chapelle) for a few days, the division was sent to Champagne at the beginning of October.
It took over the sector of Tahure-Rouvroy (south of Ripont) in the middle of October.