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Post Info TOPIC: New Book on Cambrai
James H


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New Book on Cambrai
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Published 2008, Cambrai 1917 by Bryn Hammond.

Blurb reads:
When the British dispatched 400 tanks against the German army at the Battle of Cambrai in 1917, the result was a draw--but legend quickly declared the tank a winner following its first major role in combat. Bryn Hammond reveals that the narrative that emerged from this legendary battle was mostly a myth. The initial British successes were due to brilliant innovations in artillery, not tanks--and tanks weren''t enough to keep the Germans from re-capturing their losses. But in this account of Cambrai, the first to appear in four decades, Hammond shows how generals and politicians seduced by the tank''s mythical abilities poured resources into creating a more mobile army in the following decades. By World War II, the tank would live up to its legend.
 
Doesn't sound as if there's much here we don't already know, but the claim about artillery might be a talking point. Anyone already read it?
 


-- Edited by James H at 16:40, 2008-09-29

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Bryn_Hammond


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Hi James (and everyone)

Just seen your post. As I'm the author of the book you are referring to, I would obviously hope everyone reads it! 

Joking aside, I genuinely do think the book has something important to say about the Battle of Cambrai and tanks in the First World War. I hope it will help towards a better understanding of what tanks could and could not do in the war and how the BEF learned to use them effectively in the 'all arms battle' - as part of a co-ordinated weapons system. 

Unless one understands the role of the tank on the first day of Cambrai and how this linked to the overall battle plan, it's impossible to appreciate how a very imperfect weapon came to be used effectively to help win the war.

I've done a lot of work on FWW tanks for this book and for my doctoral thesis before that. I've also mined the IWM, Tank Museum and other archives for material about their use, and got great personal experience accounts from tank crews, infantry, artillerymen, cavalry etc. I am very pleased with the book as a result (and I virtually never blow my own trumpet!) The battle is an exciting and interesting story - especially when you look at the German counter-attacks without tanks as well.

I would welcome feedback on this forum from anyone who does read the book. If anyone wants to hear me talk about the book or about tanks in the FWW, there is a list of dates when I'm speaking on my web site at www brynhammond moonfruit com (all separated by dots).

Keep up the good work on the forum.

Best wishes

Bryn

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James H


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Hello, Bryn. May I be the first to welcome you to your position as consultant to Landships, an honorary role that carries no remuneration.

It would be handy for me if you were to come to the Lancashire and Cheshire Branch of the WFA, which meets in Stockport. And, of course, a review copy is normal procedure in these circumstances . . .

I do hope you'll continue to visit and contribute to the site.

Your next mission, should you choose to accept it, is to clarify exactly how many Tanks took part at Amiens.

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Bryn_Hammond


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James

I'm booked for the branch already! Terry nabbed me in York and I'm doing 10 July talking about the Tank Corps Staff and personalities.

This 'unpaid consultant' thing requires a bit more thought ... As does the 'review' copy of the book - is that for the Landhsips forum?

Bryn

PS Amiens 1918: My figures are: 342 heavy tanks (including Mark Vs and the new Mark V* (star) tanks), 72 Whippets and 120 supply tanks.[1]  In addition, 17th (Armoured Car) Battalion was included.

[1] O.H., 1918, Vol. IV, p. 24.  According to Montgomery, 96 Whippets were finally available (Story of Fourth Army, p. 23), Weekly Tank Notes says 95 (IWM DPB: Weekly Tank Notes, No. 2, 17th August 1918, p. 8).  Liddell Hart, The Tanks, p.  177, erroneously counts 22 gun carrier tanks twice in his total of 604 tanks available.  The Mark V* tanks were modified Mark Vs intended for infantry-carrying purposes (David Fletcher, Landships: British Tanks in the First World War (London: HMSO, 1984), pp. 35-36).


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James H


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Bryn - excellent news about the Lancs/Ches Branch. I shall be in attendance if we're all still here by then. That part of Stockport has many excellent pubs, provided you don't make much eye contact.

The consultant reference is a gag. But I'm sure that all who visit the site would welcome your input on any relevant topic. As for the review copy, it was a blatant attempt to blag one. As we say round these parts, it's no use having a dog and barking yourself.

Your Amiens tally is very interesting. We had a prolonged debate about it a while back, but I can't find the thread in the archives. There are certainly a number of ambiguities in the various accounts. Nonetheless, you have done your research, whereas I'm sure you're aware that most of John Keegan's references to Tanks in The First World War are all over the show, a fact in which he does not seem greatly interested.

J

Sorry, found them:

http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=63528&p=3&topicID=7648759

http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=63528&p=3&topicID=7687497



-- Edited by James H at 14:45, 2008-10-30

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Bryn_Hammond


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James

Amiens: It would be interesting to see what Charles Messenger says about this in his new book. I have a review copy at home and will take a look at the weekend.

My sources are not true 'primary' sources i.e. OH and Story of Fourth Army rather than war diaries, etc but I'd give these books more credence than John Keegan (or rather, I would assume, the researcher who provided Keegan with this info).

I knew the consultant ref was a gag. When I talk at Stockport, I'm sure you will quickly atune yourself to my 'particular' sense of humour!

Bryn

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James H


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Ah. Mr. Messenger's book is a new one on me, but I see that it is well received on other sites. Now that Messrs Ross and Brand are surplus to requirements there is an opportunity for a new pairing on the light entertainment front. I trust you have brought this matter to the attention of your agent, and that a list of tour dates will be appearing soon.

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Bryn_Hammond


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The pairing would definitely have to be Hart & Hammond - I'm the short, fat bald one with the hairy legs. He is *definitely* Eric Morecambe!!!!

Charles Messenger will have to get his own stooge.



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TG


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Rather late I know but I would like to recommend Dr Hammond's book to all on Landships without reservation- it is very well written and well researched, good maps and illustrations - in particular, he has interwoven interesting personal accounts into the narrative - it should interest both academic readers (like myself) and the more general reader. Although I greatly like the Official History volume on this battle, people seem to find it rather a slog, Dr Hammond's book (despite being very detailed) was a pleasure to read.
My only suggestion to Dr Hammond, should the book be reprinted, is that he might wish to look at the importance of Cambrai to subsequent French military thinking - Estienne had been arguing the case for a tank attack without an artillery preparation since at least March 1917 (when he made this suggestion at a meeting of French and British tank experts at the War Office) - the success of this methodology at Cambrai silenced the critics at GQG and led to this approach at the Battle of Soissons on 18 July 1918.
I'm currently writing up a review of the book for a journal - if I think of anything else I'll add it later - in t he meantime, buy this book!

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Bryn_Hammond


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You are a good man 'TG'! Thanks.

I think I missed a recent talk you gave at the IHR, if I have the right man. I was disappointed I couldn't get along because I'm very interested in what you posted here and in your work and would welcome an opportunity to discuss in more detail.

You can contact me via my web site hmm  which is somewhat ridiculously brynhammond moonfruit com separated by dots.

Best

Bryn

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