Battle of Cambrai (1918)

The Battle of Cambrai was a battle between troops of the British First, Third and Fourth Armies and German Empire forces during the Hundred Days Offensive of the First World War. The battle took place in and around the French city of Cambrai, between 8 and 10 October 1918. The battle incorporated many of the newer tactics of 1918, in particular tanks, meaning that the attack was an overwhelming success with light casualties in an extremely short amount of time.

Battle
Although there were three German lines, spanning some 7000 yd, the sector had been quiet for some time so it was lightly garrisoned; held by the 20th Landwehr and the 54th Reserve divisions, supported by no more than 150 guns. The German defenders were unprepared for the "hurricane bombardment" by 324 tanks, closely supported by infantry and aircraft.

On 8 October, 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 10 October, they found it deserted. Fewer than 20 casualties had been taken. Frederick Banting, the discoverer of insulin, was wounded in this battle as he was performing his duties as a medic.

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