Caption: A knocked out British tank at Bourlon Wood (courtesy: IWM)
About the talk: On 20 November 1917 at Havrincourt, 185 Brigade (C62nd West Riding Division) successfully played a key role in the British Third Army's highly innovative and groundbreaking all arms assault towards Cambrai. It relied heavily on aerial reconnaissance, tank and infantry cooperation, and deployed the largest number of tanks yet seen in battle. Just days later, the Brigade were called back into action. Its men soon found themselves in an unplanned and confused engagement with an enemy rapidly recovering from the shock of the British assault. How did the officers and men of 185 apply their tactical skills to respond this new battle challenge?
Note: Based on his then new research, Fraser explored the role of 185 Brigade in the 'All Arms' Battle of Cambrai in his talk to Petts Wood - 'A Yorkshire brigade at Cambrai' - on 24th November 2022.
About the Speaker: Fraser is former TA officer and the author of 'Massacre on the Marne' (Pen & Sword, 2007) the Battalion history of the 2/5th West Yorkshire Regiment. A popular and entertaining speaker, he has given talks at about twenty WFA branches mostly on infantry talks and organisation during the Great War. A graduate of Pembroke College Oxford and the London Business School, when he is not studying the Great War and visiting battlefields, he runs a specialist consultancy for the development of new medicines.
Where we meet: We meet at the Royal British Legion Club, Queensway, Petts Wood, Orpington, Kent BR5 1DH. Meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month (except August and December). They start at 19:30, with the doors (and the bar) opening at 18:30. No entrance fees but we do welcome donations of £5 or more towards our costs.
How to get there: The club is next to Morrison's supermarket and Petts Wood railway station (trains from Charing Cross, Cannon Street, and Victoria). Parking at the rear of the club is free but you need to enter your car registration into the machine (on the left as you enter the club). Failure to enter your registration can lead to a £50 fine. There's easy free parking in adjacent side streets.