Battle of Cambrai
The Battle of Cambrai, fought from November 20 to December 7, 1917, was a significant military engagement during World War I, notable for being the first large-scale tank offensive in history. The British forces launched a surprise attack against the German defenses along the Hindenburg Line, utilizing 324 Mark IV tanks to support eight infantry divisions. Initially, the British made considerable gains, breaching three trench lines and establishing a salient. However, the operation faced challenges, including mechanical failures and losses, resulting in the failure to fully isolate the strategic communications hub of Cambrai.
In response, the Germans mounted a counteroffensive led by Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria, employing innovative tactics that included a short bombardment followed by storm troops and aerial support. By early December, the Germans had recaptured most of the territory lost, resulting in a stalemate with heavy casualties on both sides, estimated at around 40,000. The battle is historically significant for showcasing the potential of tank warfare and influencing future military strategies, both for the British and German forces, particularly in the upcoming German spring offensive of 1918.
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Battle of Cambrai
Type of action: Ground battle in World War I
Date: November 20-December 7, 1917
Location: Twenty miles southeast of Arras, France
Combatants: British Tank Corps and eight divisions vs. twenty German divisions
Principal commanders: British, General Julian Byng (1862–1935), General Hugh Elles (1880–1945); German, Rupprecht von Wittlesbach, crown prince of Bavaria
Result: Continued stalemate
On November 20, 1917, 324 Mark IV tanks led eight British infantry divisions in an attack against the Hindenburg Line. Their objective was the isolation of Cambrai, a communications hub. The British assault, without preparatory artillery firing, surprised German defenders. By the end of the first day, three trench lines had been breached, and a salient nine miles wide and four miles deep had been established. However, the British, led by Generals Julian Byng and Hugh Elles, had lost 179 tanks (65 from direct hits, 71 from mechanical failures, and 43 from ditching), and Cambrai had not been isolated. Over the next few days, the first day’s success could not be duplicated.
On November 30, the Germans, led by Rupprecht von Wittlesbach, crown prince of Bavaria, opened their counteroffensive with twenty divisions. Their tactics included a short hurricane bombardment followed by specially trained storm troops supported by low-flying aircraft. By December 7, the Germans had taken back most of the ground lost on November 20 and some territory previously held by the British. The battle ended in a stalemate with each side having suffered approximately 40,000 casualties.
Significance
British success on the first day, by demonstrating the effectiveness of mass tank assaults, set the stage for how tanks would be used in the future. German infiltration and assault tactics would be used again in the great German spring offensive of 1918.
Resources
Cooper, Bryan. The Ironclads of Cambrai. London: Souvenir Press, 1967.
Johnson, Hubert C. Breakthrough: Tactics, Technology, and the Search for Victory on the Western Front in World War I. Novato, Calif.: Presidio Press, 1994.
Johnson, J. H. Stalemate: The Great Trench Warfare Battles of 1915–1917. London: Arms & Armour Press, 1995.