V
The next day (November 21) saw composite companies of Tanks fighting in co-operation with new infantry.
But though the infantry was new, it was unfortunately not fresh. Sir Julian Byng had no rested troops at all at his disposal. It may be said that the whole of the subsequent history of the battle and its sequel hinges upon these two points. All our infantry was weary in the extreme, and most of it had never co-operated with Tanks before.
Consequently many strong points, though they were finally captured, gave us more trouble than they should.
On the 21st, Tanks attacked several villages and strong points with success.
Thirteen Tanks of “B” (2nd) Battalion surrounded the village of Cantaing. They met with a stubborn resistance as they closed in upon it. To this they replied vigorously with machine-gun and 6-pounder fire, and by noon the enemy had been driven out.
Two Tanks also, of “B” Battalion, were sent for by the infantry, who were held up by heavy machine-gun fire outside Noyelles. In half an hour they succeeded in crushing all resistance, setting fire to an ammunition dump and patrolling the village till the infantry took over.
Neither Tank was in the least hurt, and there were no casualties among the crews.
Twelve Tanks of “H” (8th) Battalion received orders soon after 8 a.m. to attack Fontaine-Notre-Dame.
The village was six miles distant, and the Tanks came in for severe fighting on the way there.