This project had to be kept secret above all among the English forces. Of the six British infantry divisions present on the first day, five took their objective on the first day of fighting. The second “female” crossed over the first bridge, dropped its bundle of wood into the support trench, and crossed it. Even the bombardment was a display of new technology. Battle to take a strategically important area near Calais in Northern France from the Germans in the First World War led to the development of a brand new type of warfare - using tanks. The assault utilised the largest number of tanks yet assembled. The tactic was successful, pushing back the German defences - dubbed the Hindenburg Line - in some areas by 5 miles and the capture of several small towns and hamlets. In the vanguard of the assault, almost 400 tanks rolled forward on ideal ground towards the French town of Cambrai. This area had seen little fighting previously, and in fact, the troops stationed there were often units that had fought in other sectors and were brought to Cambrai to rest. Looking forward to 1918, the Second World War, and even modern conflicts, one can see the everlasting echo of Cambrai. On November 1917, the front line ahead Cambrai was relatively quiet and the terrain was favorable to the movement of tanks. Prior attempts to use tanks decisively had often proved disastrous. Over 100 tanks had been wiped out on the first day of combat, and they were never used in a true combined arms sense after that assault. But what was most important was that it was a reachable distance from Byng’s section of the line. Building up to the battle, the British began massing troops behind their lines. He planned to attack at the beginning of the winter to increase the surprise effect. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Comments are subject to our community guidelines, which can be viewed, British troops pitch up near their Mark IV tanks after the massed fleet spearheaded the attack at Cambrai on 20 November 1917, Nato tanks battle it out at the US Army’s Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany in Strong Europe Tank Challenge 2017, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). But mobile reserves were not available in sufficient numbers or in time to exploit the situation. The new Mk IV was almost identical to the Mk I, but it had thicker armour, an improved fuel supply and modified sponsons. As it rumbled across the bridge, it did anything but fly, crushing the bridge beneath it. After thirteen days of hard fighting, there was neither victorious nor vanquished. The Battle of Cambrai began on 20 November 1917 when a huge artillery bombardment from 1,003 guns was launched on German positions in the strategically important area of Cambrai near Calais. But the early tank crews were unflinching pioneers and like all those who have come after, they never let such problems affect their performance in battle. Responding to the suggestions of Colonel J.F.C. On November 1917, the front line ahead Cambrai was relatively quiet and the terrain was favorable to the movement of tanks. Eventually on 3 December, General Haig ordered a partial retreat in the north of the line while maintaining the ground around Havrincourt, Ribécourt and Flesquières. An artist’s impression showing Mark IV tanks advancing at Cambrai. Between the 20th of November, and the 7th of December 1917, the British lost 44,000 men and 173 tanks, the Germans lost 45,000 men. It was the most impressive fortification in Europe. For the Battle of Cambrai, they were transported by train in the stations of Gouzeaucourt, Fins, Ypres, Heudicourt and then hidden in the surrounding woods, in particular in the Havrincourt and Bourlon woods. On 22nd November, the English were at Fontaine-Notre-Dame and in the Bourlon wood. On 30th November, General von der Marwitz organized a counteroffensive. Brigadier Hugh Elles commanded this force, all of which was used at Cambrai, with Fuller as his chief of staff. In addition, 179 tanks had been put out of action due to enemy action, mechanical issues, or "ditching." Adopting once again the tactic of the pincer movement, the attack began on two different sectors: Bourlon and Banteux. Elaborate measures were undertaken to conceal the preparations for a major offensive. The area offered the additional virtue of terrain that was well-suited to tank use. The battle incorporated many of the newer tactics of 1918, in particular tanks. They were constructed in Lincoln in England by the Foster Company and they were unloaded in Le Havre. Surprise operated on many levels. Finally, the brevity of the artillery barrage contributed to surprise at Cambrai. The choice of Cambrai was strategic.