Montdidier.
2. On the night of April 12–13 the division relieved elements of the 23d Division between Malpart and La Chappelle-St. Aignan. About May 2 the division extended its front to the north and relieved a part of the 240th Division. This was a defensive sector at this time. On May 9 the French made an attack on Grivesnes Park while the 76th Reserve Division was holding it. The attack was a complete surprise and caused many casualties. Between April 10 and May 8 the losses averaged 30 to 35 men per company and the number of combatants on May 9 was about 75 per company. It was relieved in the middle of May.
Verdun.
3. The division entered line in the Verdun region to the south of Bezonvaux on June 21. It was withdrawn from the quiet sector in mid-July, and on the 29th relieved the 46th Reserve Division southwest of Soissons. Until August 2 it was not involved in the attack. It defended the flanks of the German retreat energetically until its withdrawal on September 8. A week later its regiments were used singly to support the units in line in delaying the French advance on the line Coucy le Chateau-Ferny-Sorny. The losses in the fighting were considerable, including 575 prisoners. It showed itself a good defensive division.
4. On September 25 the division came in line on the extreme left of the American line in the Argonne. On October 10 all three regiments were opposite the United States troops in Grandpre. It remained in line until November 8 before it was finally withdrawn.
The excessive use of the division gave rise to serious internal discontent. The rifle strength of the regiments was down to less than 300 by October 24, and the troops were demanding a rest. Some companies refused to enter the line in mid-October. The divisional commander was obliged to issue an appeal to the division on October 21 to hold out. The entire rifle strength of the 2d Battalion, 254th Reserve Regiment, was but 3 officers and 75 men on October 28.
VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.
The division was rated as third class. As a defensive sector holding unit the division showed a power of sustained resistance that warranted a higher classification. By the end the division had been completely used up.