A small British tank-and-infantry assault near Ypres demonstrated coordinated armor-infantry tactics while exposing the limits of tank warfare on the Western Front.
Key Facts
- Date
- 19 August 1917
- Tanks deployed
- 7 advanced (5 broke down before attack)
- German casualties
- ~100 casualties, 30 prisoners
- British tank crew casualties
- 2 killed, 13–14 wounded
- Royal Warwicks wounded
- 15
- Tanks knocked out
- 2
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Battle of Langemarck (16–18 August 1917), the 48th and 11th Divisions of XVIII Corps were halted short of their objectives by German blockhouse garrisons of the Wilhelmstellung. General Hubert Gough convened a conference on 17 August to arrange local attacks securing a better jumping-off line before a renewed general assault planned for 25 August.
At 4:45 a.m. on 19 August 1917, seven tanks of the 1st Tank Brigade advanced along the St Julian–Poelcappelle road behind a smoke barrage, their noise masked by low-flying aircraft. Infantry of the 1/8th Royal Warwickshire Regiment followed to occupy captured positions. Most German garrisons retreated on sight of the tanks, though defenders at the Cockcroft, Triangle Farm, and Maison du Hibou held firm before being overcome.
The action inflicted roughly 100 German casualties and secured thirty prisoners, while British losses were relatively light. Historians later noted the method was difficult to replicate and generated inflated expectations about tank capability, though it temporarily boosted Tank Corps morale.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Hubert Gough.
Side B
1 belligerent