1915.
The 78th Reserve Division which, with the 77th Reserve Division, constituted the 39th Reserve Corps as one of the reserve divisions created during the winter of 1914–15. One of its regiments—the 258th—grew out of three field battalions of the 8th Corps Region (Nos. 40–42) and the 259th and the 260th out of six field battalions (Nos. 49–54) of the 10th Corps District. All three regiments were trained at the Alten-Grabow cantonment (4th Corps District).
Russia.
1. In action on the Russian front to the north of Grodno, near Simno, Kalvariia and Suwalki in March, 1915, it took part in the Courland raid (region of Chavli) in May. It was engaged in the operations on the Dubissa to the northeast of Rossieny from the end of May to the middle of July.
2. In July, with the Army of Niemen (Beulow) it took part in the offensive against Russia, occupied the region of Poneviej, to the west of Kupichki (August) arrived before Dvinsk in September and held a position near the Illukst (September-December).
1916.
Courland.
1. The 78th Reserve Division remained in the Illukst (region of Dvinsk) during the whole year 1916 and until the month of April, 1917.