Source:[1] Like the 15th Division, part of the same IV Corps, the 18th was composed entirely of regiments of the older reserve.

Even in this role, the entire division was deemed too strong, so one infantry regiment (the 3rd Grenadiers) was transferred to the coast and another was used as a reserve for the IV Corps.

At the start of hostilities, the 18th was supposed to blow the bridges of the Schoten-Dessel Canal to slow down the German advance.

Meanwhile, General Six found out the bridges over the Albert Canal were blown up, effectively cutting his prepared lines of retreat.

While the 3rd Carabiniers and the 39th took opposition, the Germans send several negotiators under the cover of a white flag to demand the surrender of the city.

Still, due to the breakthrough of the Germans at the Lys near Kortrijk, the weakened 18th was ordered into action at the former sector of the 9th Division near Ursel.

As the 18th took up position next to the 7th Chasseurs, it quickly came under sustained artillery fire suggesting the Germans would soon attack their sector in force, too.