VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.
The 86th Division seemed to be a good division, composed of young and vigorous men (March, 1918).
On the Eastern Front it was rated as a first-class division.
1918.
Volhynia.
1. The 86th Division left its sector in the Kiselin area toward the end of January. It entrained at Rogozwo on the 29th and traveled via Brest-Litowsk-Kalisch-Cottbus-Eisenach-Frankfort-Sarrebruecken-Metz-Sedan-Rethel, and detrained at Le Chatelet on the 4th of February.
Rheims.
2. It then marched via Neuflize-Isles-Boult-Fresnes, and entered line near Betheny (northeast of Rheims) on the 27th, when it relieved the 242d Division. It was withdrawn about the 21st of May, and went to rest near Asfeld.
3. On the evening of the 26th it left and marched toward the front; the 27th it was in reserve; on the 28th it attacked near Trigny (west of Rheims) and succeeded in advancing about 5 kilometers. On the 6th of June the 86th and 232d Divisions, supported by the 33d Reserve Division, captured the town of Bligny (southwest of Rheims), but lost it the same afternoon when the French counterattacked. The 86th Division had quite heavy losses. It was relieved on July 21 by the 50th Division and went to rest in the region northwest of Rheims.
4. On the 10th of August the division reenforced the front near Muizon (west of Rheims). It was relieved by the 10th Reserve Division on the 28th.