The method did not, as a matter of fact, have a good trial on this occasion, for, in the first place, the Tanks’ first objective was only the infantry second objective; and as we have seen, the enemy did not this time employ his usual method of three set lines at all.
Altogether three Brigades of Tanks were to be employed with the 5th Army.
Tank Brigade Commanders were to keep in touch with Corps Commanders, Tank Battalions were to act with Divisions, Tank Companies (twelve fighting Tanks) with Brigades, and individual Tanks with Battalions.
The three Brigades were to be distributed as follows:—
A. 2nd Corps (consisting of the 24th, 30th, 18th, 8th and 25th Divisions).
2nd Tank Brigade (“A” and “B” Battalions).
72 Tanks to be allotted as follows:—
| 1st Objective | 16 |
| 2nd” | 24 |
| 3rd ” | 24 |
| The remainder to be held in reserve. | |
The main objective was to be the Broodseinde Ridge.
The ground in this area was broken by swamps and woods; only three approaches were possible for Tanks, and these formed dangerous defiles.