Battle of Cambrai (1918)

For the first major tank offensive, see Battle of Cambrai (1917)

Battle of Cambrai (1918)
Part of Hundred Days Offensive(WWI)
Canadian Troops advancing along the Arras-Cambrai Road
Date October 8, 1918 - October 10, 1918 Location Cambrai, France Result Decisive Allied victory
Belligerents
British First Army Canadian Corps British Third Army British Fourth Army (American Corps)	German Empire
Commanders and leaders
Arthur Currie
Strength
4 Canadian Divisions 20 British divisions 324 tanks	2 regiments 150 guns (approx.)
Casualties and losses
< 50

The 1918 Battle of Cambrai, also referred to as The 2nd Battle of Cambrai, was an engagement fought between troops of the Canadian Corps, British First, Third, and Fourth Armies, the American Corps, and German Empire forces. The Battle of Cambrai was one in a long series of battles across the Hindenburg Line. The Battle took place October 8 - October 10, 1918. The Battle incorporated many of the newer tactics of 1918, namely tanks, meaning that the battle was an overwhelming success with light casualties in an extremely short amount of time.

Battle

Although there were three German lines, spanning some 7,000 yards, the sector had been quiet for some time so it was lightly garrisoned: the 20th Landwehr and the 54th Reserve, supported by no more than 150 guns. The German defenders were unprepared for the "hurricane bombardment" by 324 tanks.

On October 8, the 2nd Canadian Division entered Cambrai and encountered sporadic and light resistance. However, they rapidly pressed northward, leaving the "mopping up" of the town to the 3rd Canadian Division following close behind. When the 3rd entered the town on October 10, they found it deserted. Less than 20 casualties had been taken.

Aftermath

Although the capture of Cambrai was achieved significantly quicker than expected, German resistance northeast of the town stiffened, slowing the advance and forcing the Canadian Corps to dig in.

References

• Keegan, John; The First World War, UK Ed (Pimlico edition, London, 1999)
• In the footsteps of the Canadian Corps
• Berton, Pierre, Marching as to war, 2001.
• The Battles of the Hindenburg Line