The division was formed on mobilization of the German Army in August 1914[1] as part of V Reserve Corps.
The 10th Reserve Division fought on the Western Front, participating in the opening German offensive which led to the Allied Great Retreat.
After a respite in the lines in the Upper Alsace and Champagne, the division fought in the later phases of the Battle of the Somme.
The division returned again to Verdun in April 1917, remaining in the line until late July, when it went into reserve for a few weeks.
Over the course of the war, other changes took place, including the formation of artillery and signals commands and a pioneer battalion.