Flers + 99 yrs

[Mike Cecil]

Gents,

I was reminded by a friend in the UK that Sept 1916 - 99 years ago - was, among other blood-letting on the Western Front, the first time that tanks were used in combat, at Flers-Courcelette. Canadians, New Zealanders, and Brits took part, and some 2,500 yards depth into the German lines was gained across a limited front. It is generally acknowledged, however, that Haig's hasty use of a small number of tanks, rather than waiting a few more months and deploying tanks in overwhelming numbers, squandered the shock and surprise of this new weapon of war.

Although Australians were not directly involved, they saw the aftermath the following month: ‘In late October 1916, infantrymen of the 55th, 56th and 53rd Australian infantry battalions were moved to an area close to Flers, scene of the first combat use of tanks the previous month. While making their way to their new positions, the Australians “saw their first tanks, derelicts of the September fighting, in some cases with the crew still lying dead among the machinery.” …. It was not until the First Battle of Bullecourt some five months later that Australian infantrymen were supported by tanks under fire, and it was far from an inspiring experience.’ Quote from Finlayson and Cecil, (2015), ‘Pioneers of Australian Armour in the Great War’, page 235.


Mike C