Here lies Division 163. This division was a unit of the French Army that fought in World War I. It existed from 1916 to 1919. Division 163 fought bravely in several major battles.
Let’s explore the history of Division 163. It was formed in the Chaumuzy and Gueux region in November 1916. The division then moved to Ville-en-Tardenois for training. Later, they moved to Villers-Cotterêts for more instruction.
In 1917, Division 163 was transported to Bar-le-Duc for instruction. They occupied a sector near Les Éparges and Bois de Loclont. They extended to Haudiomont. After that, they rested and trained near Gondrecourt and Montier-en-Der. Division 163 then engaged in intense combat at Mont Cornillet and Mont Haut. This was during the Battle of the Monts de Champagne. The division later rested near La Chaussée-sur-Marne.
The division moved to the Verdun region. Elements of the division occupied a sector on the right bank of the Meuse. They fought fiercely between Damloup and Bois le Chaume during the Second Battle of Verdun. After heavy fighting, they rested near Avize. In early 1918, the division worked on second positions north of Châlons-sur-Marne. They rested and trained near Tours-sur-Marne and Jâlons. Later, they were transported to Ailly-sur-Noye. Division 163 engaged in the Battle of the Avre. Fighting was particularly intense near Mailly-Raineval. The front stabilized in early April.
Later in 1918, Division 163 moved to Châlons-sur-Marne. They occupied a sector between Mont Cornillet and Ferme des Marquises. They fought local actions. The front extended to Prunay. Division 163 was involved in the Fourth Battle of Champagne. They resisted near Prunay and Prosnes. They then organized conquered positions. The division occupied a second position near Courmelois. They moved to a sector near Prunay and Mont Cornillet. Later, they occupied a sector near Auberive-sur-Suippe and Ferme de Moscou. They progressed to Suippes during the Battle of Champagne and Argonne. They captured Pont-Faverger. The division crossed the Retourne River. They progressed to the Aisne. Positions were organized near Rethel and Thugny-Trugny.
In late 1918, Division 163 rested in the Retourne valley. They moved to Tourcelles-Chaumont. They fought near Voncq and Terron-sur-Aisne in the Battle of Chesne. The division crossed the Aisne River near Semuy. They engaged in the Push towards the Meuse. Division 163 fought near Lametz and Omont. They reached the Meuse River. They fought their final battles of the Great War near Vrigne-Meuse.
Division 163 was dissolved in early 1919. It was assigned to the 4th Army Corps. The division’s composition included infantry regiments. There were also hussar and dragoon squadrons. Field artillery regiments supported them. Pioneer battalions and engineering units completed the division. Division 163 played a crucial role in World War I. Their sacrifices contributed to the Allied victory. Their story remains a testament to courage and resilience.