WW1 western front battle first use tanks

On 30 November, the Germans counter-attacked. Many of the hard won British gains were lost and British units suffered heavy losses fighting desperately to hold back the tide.

Units from across Great Britain and the Empire: from Yorkshire and Scotland, to Newfoundland and India took part and the Chinese Labour Corps played a vital supporting role to the Tank Corps, maintaining their machines.

Church bells were rung in Britain in celebration. It was an advance of some five miles, an achievement not seen since the early stages of the war.

The German front line was quickly overrun and the British tanks continued on, punching deep into the German defences.

Zero hour was set for 6.20am on 20 November 1917.

In great secrecy, and under the cover of darkness, around 476 tanks, 1,000 guns, eight infantry and five cavalry divisions were massed at Cambrai.

In August 1917, the commander of the newly-formed Tank Corps, Brigadier General Hugh Elles, proposed an operation to prove the ability of his tanks.

Best-known today for the role played by tanks, Cambrai saw infantry, aircraft, artillery and even cavalry working together in new ways.Learn more about the Battle by reading our Battle of Cambrai 1917 facts.ĭiscover some fascinating insights into the Battle of Cambrai. Taking place in France during World War One, the Battle resulted in over 12,000 British and Commonwealth casualties whose lives are commemorated by the CWGC. The Battle of Cambrai is renowned for being an example of the first large scale use of tanks in warfare.

WW1 western front battle first use tanks