The Paschendaele ended in mire and carnage when suddenly there emerged from the British sector opposite Cambrai a battle totally different in character from any yet fought in the war. For the first time the mechanical method of securing surprise was effectively used.
A project which had been con stantly in the mind of the Genera Staff of the Tank Corps for nearly three months, and in anticipation of which preparations had already been undertaken. was approved, and its date fixed for November 20 (1917).
"The attack," says the historian of the Tank Corps (Colonel Fuller), "was a stupendous success. As the tanks moved forward with the infantry following close behind. the enemy completely lost his balance, and those who did not fly panic-stricken from the field surrendered with little or no resistance.
"By 4 pin. on November 20 one of the most astonishing battles in all history had been won."
In the brief life of a November day the whole German trench system had geon penetrated on a front of
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.