30 Nov 1917

[LeeEnfield]

German attacks at Bourlon Wood, Moeuvres and Vendhuille, push the British back, on what is known as the Cambrai Front.

 

(Bourlon Wood was captured by British forces on 24 Nov 1917)

[Tony B]

The German tactic was 'instant counterattack' throughout the war, hence the Britsh take it, the German's take it back. The tactic did have negative results though. Britian having the 'Dominions' and the US being fresh into the war at that time had much higher reserves of man power. For every casualty the Germans suffred the Allies could afford 5 or 10. That's what a war of attrition comes down to. :dunno:

[LeeEnfield]

True, the german army seemed to be able to opperate and react much quicker than those of the allied forces, in both world wars,......well, in wwii up to the hitler bomb plot, anyways.

[Tony B]

Difference in approach. The German's looked upon occupied territory as a bargaining chip at any Peace conference. The Allies looked on trenches as a temporary necessity before getting the German's out. Also the German's stopped their advance on the strategic high ground. The intention was if we can't win outright we will wear the Allies down. Evidence is that the Kaiser was as paranoid as Hitler. Also the German's had national service, all German males had compulsory military service. The British army started litterally from scratch.

[AlienFTM]

True, the german army seemed to be able to opperate and react much quicker than those of the allied forces, in both world wars,......well, in wwii up to the hitler bomb plot, anyways.

 

 

To the Germans, immediate counterattack has always been an SOP. To the Allies, "Expect an immediate German counterattack" therefore became an SOP.

[Tony B]

hence the amount of kit Tommy had to carry. the trenches taken had to be 'Reversed', the fire steps built plenty of ammo, water, food, sandbags, grenades, so 60 to 80 poundes of kit is not unreasonable.