The Battle of Cambrai, fought between 20 November and 7 December 1917, was the first in history involving the use of tanks en masse. This was a surprise attack launched by a British force of nine infantry divisions, five cavalry divisions, three tank brigades, over 1000 guns and 476 tanks, led by General Julian Byng. The initial assault, launched at dawn on 20 November, was a spectacular success, demonstrating the power of the tank when employed in a shock role. Following months of immobility at Passchendaele, this attack ripped a hole almost ten kilometres wide and six kilometres deep in the German line. However, the momentum couldnt be maintained, due to mechanical failures, the tricky northern French terrain, and the deployment of German reserves. The fighting staggered until 30 November, when the Germans launched a counter attack with 20 divisions. By 7 December, they had recaptured all of the ground lost since 20 November. The operation cost approximately 45,000 British and 50,000 German casualties. It also irrevocably altered the future of modern warfare. Source: Australian War Memorial Photographs: Imperial War Museum
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 22:57:26 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015