Battle of Flers-Courcelette
Flers and Courcelette, Somme, France
What happened
British, Canadian, New Zealand, Indian and French forces under Douglas Haig fought the German 1st Army. During the long Battle of the Somme, the British tried a brand-new weapon: the tank. On 15 September 1916, 49 Mark I tanks went into battle for the first time. Many broke down or got stuck, but some helped the infantry capture villages such as Flers, Courcelette and Martinpuich.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first time tanks were ever used in battle, and they went on to change the way wars were fought. The Allies gained ground but did not break through the German lines.
What came next
The Battle of the Somme continued after Flers-Courcelette. Tanks went on to play a growing part in later battles of the war.
Did you know?
The word 'tank' began as a code name to keep the secret weapon hidden from the enemy.
Timeline
- 15 September 1916Tanks are used in battle for the first time.
- 22 September 1916The Battle of Flers-Courcelette ends.
- 1916The Battle of the Somme continues into the autumn.