 |
| Cambrai - Flesquieres Ridge - British view |
 |
| Cambrai - Flesquieres Ridge |
 |
| Cambrai - Flesquieres Ridge - German view |
 |
| Cambrai - Flesquieres Ridge - German Gunners engaging tanks |
 |
| Cambrai - Battle Flesquieres Ridge |
Friday, 9 March 2018
Cambrai - Flesquieres Ridge
On the 20th November 1917 on the left flank of the Third Army, IV Corps were tasked to capture Bourlon Wood. The 51st (Highland Division) were required to secure the Flesquieres Ridge, then advance to Fontaine.
The initial assault went well. The ridge line was screened by smoke. The 153rd Brigade on the left and the 152nd Brigade on the right were able to break through the outpost line and into the Grand Ravine.
Positioned on the Flesquieres Ridge were German field artillery specially trained in anti-tank tactics with an excellent field of view.
After the appearance of tanks in 1916, the Germans had trained some field batteries in anti tank tactics and issued armoured piercing rounds. On the Flesquieres Ridge the new German capabilities were effective, over 40 tanks were destroyed and the attack faltered.
The 51st (Highland) Division weld held short of the Flesquieres Ridge. The 62nd (West Riding) Division fighting their way through Havrincourt, advanced 5 miles but they were unable to continue in towards Bourlon Wood. Exhausted and in danger of their flank being exposed they halted near Anneux.
