 In 1916 he participated in the Battle of the Somme where he and his corps were positioned in the southern sector near Péronne.His stern defensive and his organizatorial skills were noticed and he received the Pour le Merite from the hand of Emperor Wilhelm II on 11 August.In January 1917 Quast was assigned to lead the prestigious Guards Corps, a command he held until September when he was named commander of the 6th Army.