During the execution of Plan XVII, the 6th Army was stationed in the Central sector, covering Lorraine.

After the Western Front turned to stalemate and the opposing forces formed lines of trenches, the 6th Army was based in Northern France.

Nevertheless, command of the 6th Army remained with the Bavarian Crown Prince, who would eventually come to be regarded as one of Germany's most able generals.

In March 1917 the 6th Army was the target for the assault of the Canadian and British forces at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

The 6th Army under von Falkenhausen suffered over 20,000 casualties in the ensuing fighting and were pushed back from the ridge by the Canadian Corps.