It initially formed part of the garrison of the Verdun fortress and was subordinated to the French 3rd Army, and in the first year of fighting participated in the Battle of the Ardennes, the First Battle of the Marne (including the Battle of the Ourcq), the First Battle of the Aisne and the First Battle of Picardy. In 1915 it participated in the First and Second Battle of Champagne. In 1916, it participated in the Battle of Verdun and the Battle of the Observatories. 1917 saw the division mainly involved in holding the front line, but 1918 saw the division participating in the 4th Battle of Champagne