Cambrai - Masnieres

When the guns opened fire to start the Battle of Cambrai, the surprise of the bombardment, the mass deployment of tanks breaking though the wire, together with supporting fire from the Royal Flying Corps quickly over whelmed the German first line of defence.   


Battle of Cambrai 20th November 1917

On the right, III Corps advanced rapidly, with the 12th Division securing the Gonnelieu and Bonavis Ridges. They began consolidating their positions to provide flank protection, the ridges commanding the ground to the south.

Cambrai - vital ground - view from Gonnelieu / Bonavis Ridges

The of the crossing points on the St Quentin Canal were critical to the subsequent         exploitation by the Cavalry Corps. The speed of the advance was governed by the lifting barrage, and in some areas this caused delays, tanks having to wait up to 30 minutes in some sases. Concerned that the crossing points may be compromised by being destroyed, Major Philip Hamond leading 12 tanks immediately advance to the bridge at Masnieres. He arrived with the leading tank to see the bridge enveloped in an explosion, however, it appeared to be undamaged. The remaining tanks arrived and began suppressive fire on the German defenders on the opposite side of the canal.

Masnieres St Quentin Canal towards Marcoing

One tank, ‘Flying Fox II’, was sent across the bridge to secure the crossing, however the structure had been weakened and snapped in two. ‘Flying Fox II’ plunged into the Canal, it’s red hot engine on contact with the water sent up clouds of steam allowing the crew to extricate themselves under it’s cover. The tank commander 2/Lt Walter Farrar was  awarded the Military Cross for that action.

Masnieres Bridge - Flying Fox II

Masnieres Bridge - Flying Fox II

Masnieres Bridge 2018

Masnieres Bridge 2018 - Selfie

The collapsed bridge blocked the passage of Cavalry over the canal and  their  withdrawal was ordered. The order was not received by the Canadians of B Squadron Fort Garry Horse.

B Squadron of The Fort Garry Horse had already found a lock crossing point to the west of the damaged bridge, and had advanced.

Masnieres towards the crossing point of the Fort Garry Horse.

Conducting a cavalry charge and exploiting beyond the canal they found themselves isolated.  They stampeded their horses, and infiltrated on foot back across the canal at Marcoing.

Route of the Fort Garry Horse

Marcoing

Lieutenant Harcus Strachan who lead the action received the Victoria Cross. 

Harcus Strachan VC

An obelisk on the St Quentin Canal commemorates the actions of the Fort Garry Horse.

Masniers - Fort Garry Horse Memorial

Battle of Cambrai - Masnieres

III Corps were able to penetrate through the German outposts and break the first line of the German defences.  They were unable to breakthrough subsequent defences, though III Corps did establish a small bridgehead over the St Quentin Canal but could not penetrate further.

Cambrai - Situation 2oth November 1917