German guns captured by the Australians and Canadians at Courcelette during the Battle of the...

German guns captured by the Australians and Canadians at Courcelette during the Battle of the Somme, 1916. Stereoscopic photograph, World War One, Western Front, (1914-1918), 1916. On 15 September 1916 six Commonwealth divisions were involved in the attack at Flers-Courcelette, an operation that saw tanks deployed for the first time. They would lead the assault, destroying strong-points and allow the infantry behind to push on and secure their objectives. When the attack commenced, only 15 were able to move into no-mans land. These machines made a great impact on the Bavarian troops facing them, many of which were terrified, and a few tanks were able to advance far into the enemy defences. These were gradually reduced in number by breakdowns and enemy action. Flers, Courcelette, and a great deal of enemy artillery, were captured, but a total breakthrough eluded the attackers. The operation was called off on 22 September. From a collection of 101 stereoscopic photographs entitled ‘The Great War’ including the official series.