Battle of Cambrai (1917)
Southwest of Cambrai, France
What happened
British General Julian Byng's Third Army attacked the German defences commanded by General Georg von der Marwitz. Cambrai was an important supply centre behind the Hindenburg Line. Instead of a long bombardment that warned the enemy, the British attacked by surprise with hundreds of tanks, together with infantry and artillery. On the first day they advanced up to 8 km, but the attack slowed and the Germans counter-attacked.
Why it matters
Result: See Aftermath section. Why it matters: It was the first great attack led by large numbers of tanks. The first day's success was celebrated in Britain by the ringing of church bells.
What came next
By 7 December the British gains were abandoned except for a portion of the Hindenburg Line.
Did you know?
After the first day's success, church bells rang across Britain to celebrate.
Timeline
- 20 November 1917The British attack at Cambrai with hundreds of tanks.
- 7 December 1917The battle ends, and most gains are given up.