Dreaming of territorial infantry divisions? Let me introduce you to Division 100. It played a role in World War I. Today, we explore its history. It may not be a physical place. Its story remains etched in military history.
Division 100 was a French army unit. It was created in February 1915. The division participated in World War I. However, it existed for a relatively short time. It was dissolved in January 1917.
Who led this division? Several generals took command. General Dantant was one of them. General Radiguet also led. General Tassin followed. Finally, General de Contades-Guizeux took command.
What was Division 100 composed of? It included infantry. Two territorial brigades formed the infantry component. These were the 199th and 200th Territorial Brigades. Cavalry also played a role. One squadron came from the 19th Dragoon Regiment. Another came from the 21st Mounted Chasseur Regiment.
Artillery provided crucial support. One group came from the 35th Field Artillery Regiment. It had the 41st, 42nd, and 43rd 90mm batteries. Another group came from the 20th Field Artillery Regiment. It included the 31st, 32nd, and 33rd 90mm batteries.
Engineering support was essential. Companies 10/4T and 10/54T came from the 6th Engineering Regiment. A transmitter detachment came from the 8th Engineering Regiment.
In 1915, Division 100 formed near Paris. It worked on defending the entrenched camp of Paris. This was in the Mormant and Melun area. Later, it moved by rail to Givry-en-Argonne. It then stationed near Verrières. The division moved toward La Chapelle for work. Elements of the 200th Brigade supported various services. Later, the division moved to Billy-le-Grand for rest. The 199th Brigade served with the 4th Army. It fought near Prosnes under the 60th DI. The brigade endured German gas attacks. It rejoined Division 100 near Mourmelon-le-Petit. The 200th Brigade supported the 2nd Army. It then transferred to the 16th Army Corps.
In 1916, Division 100 moved toward Mourmelon-le-Petit. Some elements occupied a sector near Ferme des Marquises. It occupied a sector between Baconnes and Prosnes. Later, it shifted toward Ferme de Moscou. The division withdrew from the front. It moved by rail to Villers-Cotterêts for work. Then, it moved to the Amiens area for more work. Finally, it moved to Poix for rest.
In 1917, Division 100 was dissolved. The 199th and 200th Brigades became independent. Later, these brigades were also dissolved.
Division 100 was attached to several armies. These included the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 10th Armies. It also served under the Military Governor of Paris. For a time, it was part of Groupement Pétain.
Though short-lived, Division 100 played its part. It contributed to France’s defense during a critical period. Its legacy lives on in historical records. It reminds us of the sacrifices made during World War I.