The Weapon that Changed War Forever

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The foul weather of November 20, 1917, had perfectly concealed the 476 British tanks as they approached the German fortifications near the French town of Cambrai. Nineteen infantry divisions accompanied the tanks and readied themselves for a surprise attack.

Third Army General Sir Julian Byng was confident his new combined artillery, infantry, and tank tactics would put the Germans on the run. Almost 500 tanks pointing downhill with thousands of men behind would surely inspire fear in the heart of the enemy.

At 6:30am, the stillness of the morning was suddenly disturbed by a creeping barrage of over 1,000 British guns. The symphony of metal, powder, and earth had begun.

Germany had considered the barbed wire protecting their lines to be invincible, but the British had other ideas in mind. It would be (QUOTE) “Through the mud and the blood to the green fields beyond.” The tank formations roared and rolled downhill in a brand new strategy that was about to change war forever…

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As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Docs sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect. I do my best to keep it as visually accurate as possible. All content on Dark Docs is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas. –

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19 thoughts on “The Weapon that Changed War Forever”

  7. I have a model of this tank in my collection. For it's time it truly was a monster that would of put the fear of god into the German soldiers as you mentioned. I have heard about a early action with the tank where a British officer walked ahead of a tank at night to lead the way to the lines. The tank broke through the line and then returned safely after using up their ammo. That officer must of had balls of steel!

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  12. My great grand father was a tank driver and machine gunner in ww1 and he lost 2 tanks. They would swab driving Because of the heat inside. One bogged and one lost its tracks. He took out so many Germans he was given a newer tank whereby in his dairy he wrote it for my great grand mother. It’s at the Australian war memorial now. My sister was allowed to take a copy back in the 70’s which she did by hand. He ran over hundreds of live men thinking the trenches would save them but he would be burying them as he went along with this side plough one had bolted to it. It was the only tank to have this done. He came up with the idea the day before this big raid and his commander was a real kunt apparently & disapproved but he took the credit and was awarded the Bravery Medal (MOH) in Americas standard. Look at the guy that cut the ribbon in opening of the Sydney harbour bridge…… it was his best mate. 😂😂😂😂😂

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  13. it did not change war forever it just changed it till a better anti tank weapon was invented just look at ukraine it went right back to trench warfare when the man portable atgms out range the tanks they are fighting

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  14. The infantry of 51st Highland division didn't actually fall behind the tanks. They were forbidden from keeping up by Major-General Harper, because he thought the tactics of the infantry keeping up were wrong. It was largely this which caused the failure.

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  15. Love all of Dark Doc’s but one issue, when showing documentaries about great battles of the past could you possibly include maps of the battles to show what manoeuvres you’re describing?
    Still love this channel

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  19. Those Mark I’s must have totally put the fear of God in the Germans the first time they saw them! They scare me now just watching them creep slowly across the fields. Just absolutely creepy looking!

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