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→Preparation for the Battle
By late 1917 many German Generals had open contempt for the tank. They believed that it was virtually useless on the battlefield. Despite this, the German began to build their own tanks. The British, especially the officers of the Tank Corps continued to promote the use of the tank. One of these officers was Lieutenant-Colonel John Fuller and he argued that they should be used in large formations and on dry and open ground. General Haig, initially rejected the suggestions but when it became apparent that the Third Battle of Ypres was a failure, the British High Command became desperate for some success.
Haig hoped that tanks would provide him with the decisive breakthrough demanded by the Allied governments worried by the crumbling Russian resistance. Cambrai was chosen as the scene of the offensive. The town and area were vital for the German Army’s transportation and supply system and more importantly it was set on a plain that was considered ideal for tank warfare. According to the despatches of General Haig ‘’the Cambrai front had been selected as the most suitable for the surprise operation in contemplation. The ground there was, on the whole, favourable for the employment of tanks which were to play an important part in the enterprise.’’ <ref> Haig, Sir Douglas, ''Fifth Despatch (Battle of Cambrai, 1917) The Long, Long Trail''. Available at http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/british-field-commanders-despatches/sir-douglas-haigs-fifth-despatch-battle-cambrai-1917/</ref>
Furthermore, the German units in the area had suffered heavy casualties during the recent fighting at Ypres. The British attack on the Cambrai sector was extremely sophisticated. The tanks would breach the Hindenburg Line and through this gap in the line, three Cavalry Divisions would be deployed and these would encircle the Germans in the area. There would be no artillery barrage before the attack and the British would rely on surprise. According to Haig ‘’it was calculated that, provided secrecy could be maintained to the last moment, no large hostile reinforcements were likely to reach the scene of action for forty-eight hours after the commencement of the attack’’ <ref> Haig, 1917</ref>. The British employed 500 hundred of the new Mark IV during the battle and also used a new delivery system to shower poison gas on German positions.<ref> Sheldon, J. ''The German Army at Cambrai'' (Barnsley: Pen & Sword. 2009), p. 65</ref>
