(405th, (?) 407th: 4th District-Prussian Saxony.) (439th: 15th District-Alsace.)

1916.

The 205th Division was organized at the end of 1916, partly from new regiments formed in the interior, partly from regiments taken from the zone of the armies on the Eastern Front.

Russia.

1. The end of November, 1916, the division was reported behind the front (region northeast of Vilna). At that time it comprised the 406th and 407th Infantry, taken from the 202d Division, and the 439th Infantry formed in the region of Vilna. With the 226th Division next to it, it belonged to the reenforced 3d Reserve Corps (10th Army).

1917.

Courland.

1. In January, 1917, the division was in line on the left bank of the Aa (Courland). The 407th Infantry lost heavily in January and February.

2. The division then occupied the front east of Kalzeen (region of Mitau) from April to September.

3. In October it was identified north of Lake LobÉ. During the last three months of 1917 many men were taken from this division for the Western Front. In this manner it sent men to the 47th Reserve Division in April, to the 14th Division at the end of October, and to the 75th Reserve Division (before it left) in November.

RECRUITING.

The division from its origin was of a very mixed composition. This diversity increased following the many drafts taken from it in 1917 and the diversity of origin of the men sent in exchange.

VALUE—1917 ESTIMATE.

On the Russian front since its organization.

Fighting value mediocre.

1918.

Courland.

1. In February the 205th Division was to the southeast of Riga.

2. In April it was in Livonia near Walk. About this time the commanding general was decorated. Toward the beginning of June the division was identified in the Narva region, where it remained until the end of the war, with the exception of the 439th Regiment, which was transferred to the 94th Division about the middle of September.

VALUE—1918 ESTIMATE.

The division was rated third class.