the division began world war i on the western front, fighting in the battle of the frontiers and then in the race to the sea. it was then transferred to the eastern front, seeing action in 1915 in the second battle of the masurian lakes, gorlice-tarnów offensive and operation albion. it remained on the eastern front until december 1917, when it returned to france. in 1918, it fought in the battle of the lys and faced various allied offensives, including the hundred days offensive. allied intelligence rated the division as third class.