Current Information:

Age-27

Pentlands, Mitcham

Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France

The Battle of Cambrai

This was a major British offensive on the Western Front that was launched on 20th November, 1917 and lasted through to the beginning of December. As the name suggests it was an attack towards the city of Cambrai and the important German railhead there, which it was hoped would be captured. The battle was notable for two things: the massed use of tanks for the first time and the success of the first day’s fighting when the formidable Hindenburg Line was breached and gains of five miles were made in places. In celebration the church bells throughout Britain were rung. However this success was short lived. The tanks were not reliable and the German defence stiffened as the fighting progressed and when they counter attacked in force on 30th November, the British came under so much pressure that they were forced to withdraw from many of the positions they had captured earlier on. Both sides suffered around 45,000 casualties during the course of the fighting.

When the Germans attacked on 30th November, 1917, 29th Division were holding a line  with 86 Brigade in trenches covering Masnières, 87 Brigade at Marcoing on their left and 88 Brigade in reserve. As the German attack developed 86 Brigade came under considerable pressure and 88 Brigade were sent to the right flank to strengthen the line there. Some ground was lost but eventually a new line was formed and held. At some stage during the day Robert Annan was killed but as yet there is no further information concerning his death.