It fought without interruption for forty days and was initially commanded by Charles de Gaulle.

The 4DCr launched an attack on 17 May at the Battle of Montcornet, where it successfully threw back the German defenses but had to retreat on its starting positions for lack of support and air cover.

On 1 June, the 4e DCr was relieved by the 51st (Highland) Infantry Division and regrouped at Marseille-en-Beauvaisis to attach itself to the armoured group under General Charles Delestraint.

On 6 June, De Gaulle was relieved of his command to rejoin his new commission as State under-secretary for War in the government.

General Pierre Jules de la Font took command of the division on 7 June.