The 261st and 262d Regiments were completely demoralized during the British attack and fled to the rear. According to an officer this panic was due to the lack of combat spirit displayed by the 1918 class, which made up an important part of the strength of the soldiers engaged.
It arrived in a very worn out condition in the St. Quentin sector and left it on November 28 with nearly full strength and replacement of material. It should (December, 1917) be capable of putting forth an appreciable effort.
The soldiers from Alsace and Lorraine, formerly numerous in this division, were withdrawn from this unit when it was sent to the French front. Ninety-three of them remained in the 252d Regiment, who were mostly sent to the Eastern Front on July 3, 1917 (German order).
1918.
Battle of Picardy.
1. The division reenforced the Somme battle front on March 21 near Ronssoy. It advanced west of Epehy on March 22 and was withdrawn to second line a day later. It followed up the advance and took part in the attack near Meaulte on April 5, after which it was withdrawn.
Bailleul.
2. It rested in Belgium for five weeks, and on May 26 entered the line northwest of Bailleul. It was relieved on the night of June 19–20.
3. The division rested in Roubaix area until July 20, when it was transferred by rail to Tergnier (west of La Fere) and then marched to Guny, west of Coucy le Chateau, where it remained in army reserve. On August 8 the division was alarmed, and at mid-day was transferred in motor busses via Chauny-Ham-Nesle to Rethonvillers, arriving before dawn on the 9th. It came into action on the following day at 4 kilometers northeast of Andechy.