The tank clash at Villers-Bretonneux

Professor Alaric Searle discusses the machines, tactics and significance of the tank battle at Villers-Bretonneux, 100 years on.
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The tank clash at Villers-Bretonneux
Professor Alaric Searle discusses the machines, tactics and significance of the tank battle at Villers-Bretonneux, 100 years on.

During the German Spring Offensive on the Western Front in 1918, a small but very notable engagement took place – the first tank-versus-tank ‘battle’ in history.

Using both British and German sources, this talk will attempt to go beyond the myths surrounding Villers-Bretonneux by explaining its outcome and assessing its true historical significance.

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