Battle of Cambrai

Battle of Cambrai, British-German engagement of World War I , notable for the success with which the British employed tanks. The battle failed to achieve results for the British because of the lack of reserves to follow and exploit the initial successes.

On November 20, 1917, about 400 British tanks, supported by infantry, all under the immediate command of General Sir Julian Byng, moved forward into the German lines, achieving an advance of 8 km (5 mi). The attack came as a complete surprise to the Germans, as there had been no heavy artillery bombardment preceding it. However, after the first day, the advance slowed down considerably. By the end of a week of fighting, any British forward movement had ceased, as the troops engaged were wearied from fighting without relief. On November 30 the Germans counter-attacked, and by December 7 the British were forced back to their starting position. Losses on both sides were about equal.

The Battle of Cambrai ended more or less where it began, but it taught both sides a valuable lesson. It demonstrated the mobility and striking power of the tank, but it also emphasized the necessity for prompt and effective reinforcement with fresh reserves to follow up and exploit initial gains.