World War I: British Advance at Amiens

August 11, 1918 - The British conclude the first phase of the Battle of Amiens. Moving back the attack after defeating the German spring offensives, the Allies planned an assault for the area east of Amiens designed to open the rail lines through the city. Overseen by the commander of the British Expeditionary Force, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, the offensive was to be centered on the British Fourth Army. After discussions with Marshal Ferdinand Foch it was decided to include the First French Army to the south. Beginning on August 8, the offensive relied on surprise and the use of armor rather than the typical preliminary bombardment. Catching the enemy off guard, Australian and Canadian forces in the center broke through the Germans lines and advanced 7-8 miles. By the end of the first day, five German divisions had been shattered. Over the next three days, Allied forces continued their advance, but met increased resistance as the Germans rallied. The victory at Amiens permanently put the Germans on the defensive and signaled a return to mobile warfare.