Battle of Hamel - Prelude

Prelude

The allied victory owed much to Monash's detailed planning and to the briefing of all the troops on their objectives. The allies made novel use of a number of tactics, such as parachute drops of medical supplies and rifle ammunition in cases, and resupply by tank rather than by troops carrying supplies forward. The supply tanks and aircraft brought stores quickly to the troops as they advanced. The carrying power of the tanks equated to about 1,000 troops doing the same job, the planes would drop. There was advanced coordination between infantry, artillery and armour – the latest, highly manoeuvrable Mark V tank was used after it had been demonstrated to Monash and the British commander, General Rawlinson. Five companies (60 sabre and four supply tanks) of the 5th Brigade of the Tank Corps were provided for the assault.

The battle plan called for a creeping barrage, in which the artillery barrage moves slowly in front of the advancing troops. This protected the troops by suppressing enemy activity, thereby easing their advance. Some 600 British and French guns were used for the barrage and counter-battery fire, including regular barrages in the days leading up to the attack. Monash was adamant that the infantry should not be sacrificed in an unprotected advance, hence his care to ensure that they were well covered.