A Visit to the Cambrai Tank 1917 Museum in Flesquieres
The Battle of Cambrai starting on 20 November 2017, was a British attack followed by the biggest German counter-attack against the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) since 1914. Cambrai was an important supply point for the German Hindenburg Line and capture of the town and the nearby Bourlon Ridge would threaten the rear of the German line to the north.
After a big British success on the first day, mechanical unreliability, German artillery and infantry defences exposed the frailties of the Mark IV tank. On the second day, only about half of the tanks were operational and British progress was limited. The rapid reinforcement and defence of the Bourlon Ridge by the Germans, followed by their strong counter-attack caused them to think they could end the war before American mobilisation became overwhelming.
After a big British success on the first day, mechanical unreliability, German artillery and infantry defences exposed the frailties of the Mark IV tank. On the second day, only about half of the tanks were operational and British progress was limited. The rapid reinforcement and defence of the Bourlon Ridge by the Germans, followed by their strong counter-attack caused them to think they could end the war before American mobilisation became overwhelming.