Spring Offensive Flashcards
When was Ludendorff’s Spring Offensive?
21st March-18th July
What were 3 reasons for the Offensive?
- Unrest in Germany (blockade, growing peace movement)
- Russia had left the war
- American entry
When was Operation Michael?
21st March-April
What happened during Operation Michael?
Short, concentrated, multi-phase bombardments; mobile warfare (stormtroopers), artillery barrage. Within 10 days, could almost break link between French and British armies
How far were the Germans from Paris after Operation Michael (21st March)?
Within 100km of Paris
What were the casualties from Operation Michael (both sides)?
250,000 German casualties
150,000 British/French
When was Operation Blucher York?
End of May-early June
what did Blucher York aim to do?
Break through sailent
What were the consequences of Blucher York on the German army?
500,000 German casualties. Morale basically gone
When was the Battle of Hamel?
4th July
How was Hamel (4th July) effective?
Effective use of reconnaissance (where artillery fire would land, strategic positioning), use of aircraft to attack front/reserve lines, first use of Mark V tank alongside artillery, effective cooperation of British, American Australian forces
How did Allied air forces stop the Second Battle of the Marne?
Attacked supply lines and bridges on the Marne
What were the ultimate consequences of the Spring Offensive?
Established 65km salient across Flanders (huge–but could not be held)
What were German casualties after the Spring Offensive?
1 million men
What was the impact of the Spring Offensive on German supplies?
Lost 22 tanks, more than 200 aircraft
What happened once the French and British decided an overall commander was necessary?
General Foch was appointed Supreme Allied Commander on the Western Front in 1918
When was the Hindenburg Line broken, and in which battle?
Central Attack on 27th September
When was the creeping barrage successfully used–>fighting retreat?
Reduction of the Soissons-Marne Salient July 1918
When was the Battle of Amiens?
8th August-3rd September
What was significant about the strategies and tactics used during the Battle of Amiens?
No barrage–attack conducted behind light tanks (Mark V, Whippet). Secrecy high; hidden by mist.
What was the outcome of Amiens?
Broke 5 German divisions. Allied losses 6500; German losses 30,000. Pushed Germans back to the Hindenburg line-‘black day’
What was significant about the Central Attack?
27th September. Broke the Hindenburg line by capturing a stretch of the main line. A second set piece attack on the 3rd October pushed the Germans out of the reserve line
Where was an example of British/American cooperation?
Central Attack–40 British divisions supported by Americans
When was the Allied Response?
18th July-11th November
