From Flers to Cambrai: tanks and tactics on the Western Front, 1916-1917

The presentation will be live and online.

This talk by Chris Copson of the Tank Museum will cover the development of the British Heavy Tank from Mk I-Mark IV but also their deployment, tactical use and effectiveness on the Somme, at Arras, Third Ypres and Cambrai.

The tank was devised as a solution as a “machine gun destroyer”, the solution to the huge losses sustained by infantry in the offensives of the first part of the War. After a seemingly successful debut in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette in September 1916, the tanks performed poorly at Arras and during Third Ypres.

It is not until the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 that the tank regains its reputation as a war winning weapon. Why was this and what contribution did the tank make in middle years of the War.

Members wishing to participate will need to register, details of how to register will be circulated via The Western Front Association's newsletter 'Trench Lines'. If you are not a subscriber to Trench Lines please subscribe now via the box at the bottom of this page.

It is also possible to register by clicking this link: From Flers to Cambrai

The talk will be undertaken using the 'Zoom' software which is freely available. It may not be necessary to load the software to your PC / iPad etc: but we would recommend doing so if you wish to participate in this event.