The third part withdrew through the Baltic and settled across the sea to Denmark. One part suffered heavy losses from artillery fire, the second was worn out as it retreated west. From the turn of the year 1944/45 the division was deployed in Pomerania, where it suffered heavy losses and was broken into three parts.
At this point the association was given division status. Cesarani indicates her strength in February 1945 with about 5000 men, because she was replenished under the 'inspection' of a German brigade leader by French collaborators from all possible German formations. In September 1944 the unit was incorporated into the Waffen SS.