It was then recreated a third time as a Second World War 'phantom division' as part of Fortitude South II.

The 5th Infantry Regiment was assigned on 27 July 1918 to the 17th Division and relieved on 10 February 1919.

[5] In the aftermath of Fortitude South II was depicted as moving to the region around Brighton-Burgess Hill during August 1944 where it was notionally placed under the command of US XXXIII Corps.

In October 1944 the division moved to South Wales and was disposed of by announcing that it had been disbanded to provide replacements for other units.

[2] In addition to the usual divisional support units the 17th Infantry Division was notionally composed of:[2]