1917 with the CEF

That there was an alternative to the ghastly strategy of attrition was shown by the brilliant British success at Cambrai in November 1917.

This was the first effective tank attack in history.

Before a gun could open fire 380 of these new monsters rolled across No Man's Land.

The elimination of the usual bombardment took the Germans by surprise; the trenches of the Hindenburg Line were quickly crossed; and by nightfall the Allies had reached the open countryside beyond. The hoped-for breakthrough appeared to have come at last.

In Britain church bells were joyfully rung; and the German Supreme Command prepared for a general retreat.

Both reactions were premature.

The initial gains could not be exploited because the British lacked a reserve of tanks and had squandered their troops in the mud of Flanders.

The Germans meanwhile rallied and checked the attack. However, the value of the tank was proven to military authorities who had long been scornful of the idea that these "mechanical toys" could replace the noble horse.

In the march to victory in 1918 the tanks were to break the deadlock on land and assure the Allied triumph.

One of the new fangled "land ships" code named 'tanks' for secrecy during the development stage.

Cambrai also has an important place in Canadian battle records for here the Canadian Cavalry Brigade and the Newfoundland Regiment fought with distinction with the British formations.

In recognition of its role in the defence of Masnieres the Newfoundland Regiment was granted the title "Royal" - a unique honour in the First World War.

<<< Cambrai as the Canadians moved in.