How Did Tanks Attack Through the Fog at the Battle of Amiens?
In 1918, Allied forces used a secret plan to attack the German lines at Amiens. Under the cover of early morning fog, hundreds of tanks and soldiers moved forward together. The surprise was so effective that the German army was overwhelmed, signaling the beginning of the war's final victory.
Quick Facts
- It was a surprise attack
- Thick fog hid the troops
- Hundreds of tanks were used
- Germany called it a black day
- Started the final Allied offensive
Countries Involved
Historical Context
By the summer of 1918, World War I had lasted for four long years. Millions of soldiers lived in dirty, dangerous trenches across France. Neither the Allies nor the Germans could win the fight. Both sides were very tired of the constant stalemate. The Allies finally decided to use new machines to break through the lines. They wanted to start a big attack to win the war quickly. General Douglas Haig and other leaders planned a secret operation. This plan focused on the city of Amiens in Northern France. They hoped that using tanks would shock the German army. Success here would give the Allies a major advantage for peace.
What Happened?
On August 8, 1918, the Allies launched their massive attack. They chose to strike at dawn to catch the enemy off guard. A thick, gray fog covered the battlefield and helped hide their movements. Thousands of British, French, Canadian, and Australian troops moved forward. They were joined by hundreds of new Mark V tanks. The fog kept the tanks hidden from the German soldiers. The tanks made a loud noise, but the damp air muffled the sound. The German defenders were shocked when the metal machines suddenly appeared. They had very little time to prepare their heavy guns. Many German soldiers were terrified and began to run away. The Allied troops pushed through the broken defenses very fast. They captured thousands of German prisoners during the first few hours. This battle became known as the Black Day of the German Army. It proved that tanks could change the way wars were fought. The Allied victory at Amiens helped bring the fighting to a close.
Why Did It Matter?
This victory proved that tanks and better tactics could break the stalemate of trench warfare. It became the turning point that led to the end of the war.
Forces and Units Involved
Frequently Asked Questions
1What kind of machine was a tank used in World War I battles?
2How did the thick fog help the Allied soldiers during the attack?
3What does the term stalemate mean in a military conflict?
4Did the Battle of Amiens lead directly to the end of the war?
5Roughly how many tanks were used during this surprise attack?
6Did the German army have their own tanks in this battle?
7What exactly was the Hundred Days Offensive for the Allies?
8Why did Germans call this battle the black day of the army?
9Which specific groups of soldiers participated in this attack?
10Did airplanes play a role in the Battle of Amiens attack?
Historical Sources
The Battle of Amiens in August 1918 was the beginning of the end of World War I. British and Empire forces used hundreds of tanks, artillery, and aircraft in a surprise attack through thick fog. The attack broke the German lines and started the Hundred Days Offensive that won the war.
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