Freepedia is a series of free encyclopaedias. We currently specialize in history but we intend to branch out into other areas. This section is about the Battle of Flers-Courcelette.

The attack at Flers-Courcelette was part of the larger offensive at the Somme. General Sir Douglas Haig took the controversial decision to use this operation to test out the British Army's new weapon, the tank. This went against the advice that they should be employed when they could be used en masse to ensure a major breakthrough.

Led by General Sir Henry Rawlinson, the 12 divisions and 49 tanks attacked the German front-line on 15th September, 1916. The tanks surprised the Germans and in three days the British captured 2km of German held territory. However, a large number of the tanks broke-down and Rawlinson's army was unable to hold on to its gains. After an unsuccessful second attack on 25th September, the offensive at Flers-Courcelette was brought to an end.

 

Flers-Courcelette: Western Front Association

Flers-Courcelette: History Learning Site

Flers-Courcelette: Northumberland Fusiliers

Battle of Flers-Courcelette: Wikipedia

Battle of Flers-Courcelette: Spartacus

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