The component units of the division were assembled around Salisbury and moved to Aldershot in May 1915 to complete their training.

The division was formed by Major-General Francis Ventris and crossed to France from 25 to 30 September 1915 under the command of Major-General Beauchamp Doran, a former brigade commander in the British Expeditionary Force in the early days of the war.

It was on the northern flank defences during Operation Michael in March 1918 and was moved north to refit.

Moved south to another quiet area, it was attacked for a third time in the Third Battle of the Aisne.

The division played a major role in the final few weeks of the war its most noted success was the capture of the village of Beaurevoir on 5–6 October 1918.