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Description

The British attack at Cambrai on 20 November of 1917 was the first large scale use of tanks as part of a combined arms attack during World War I.

The use of over 400 tanks in the attack, along with much more effective infantry and artillery tactics and close air support allowed to British to achieve unprecedented success on the first day of the battle. However, by the second day of the offensive 180 tanks had been lost: 65 to enemy action, 71 to mechanical failure, and 43 which were immobilized in the ditches, trenches and mud of the battlefield.

Subsequent German counter-attacks regained most of the terrain initially lost too the Germans but the success of the first day proved that large numbers of tanks skillfully integrated into the coordinated infantry and artillery attack could have a large positive impact on the battle. Improved versions of the Mark IV tanks used at Cambrai would be a major factor in the success of the Allied attacks in 1918 leading to the end of the war.

Description

The British attack at Cambrai on 20 November of 1917 was the first large scale use of tanks as part of a combined arms attack during World War I.

The use of over 400 tanks in the attack, along with much more effective infantry and artillery tactics and close air support allowed to British to achieve unprecedented success on the first day of the battle. However, by the second day of the offensive 180 tanks had been lost: 65 to enemy action, 71 to mechanical failure, and 43 which were immobilized in the ditches, trenches and mud of the battlefield.

Subsequent German counter-attacks regained most of the terrain initially lost too the Germans but the success of the first day proved that large numbers of tanks skillfully integrated into the coordinated infantry and artillery attack could have a large positive impact on the battle. Improved versions of the Mark IV tanks used at Cambrai would be a major factor in the success of the Allied attacks in 1918 leading to the end of the war.