20 November 2025 marks the 108th Anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai – an occasion that is commemorated by the modern Royal Tank Regiment every year.
Over 400 tanks crashed through the German Hindenburg line at Cambrai in 1917, in what was the first mass tank attack in history.
In the first 3 hours of the battle, the British Army advanced further than they had in 3 months of fighting at Passchendaele.
It was a stunning achievement – and the first major success for a newly formed Corps that had yet to prove its value.
Things might have been different, but for the influence of a truly inspirational leader.
Brigadier General Hugh Elles combined innovation, pioneering determination and personal courage from which a distinct regimental culture would form.
He remains a standard of exemplary leadership in the modern Royal Tank Regiment – and his example offers 5 vital lessons for today’s leaders in times of disruption and uncertainty.
Embrace Innovation
Elles was a champion of the tank – a modern technological solution to as specific battlefield problem.
His military superiors tended to be sceptical traditionalists, preferring methods they were familiar with – regardless of decreasing success.
A passionate advocate for his Corps, Elles believed in their potential to break the deadlock of trench warfare. His persistence ensured the battle of Cambrai took place, and that his tanks would be used in the most effective way possible.
The Mark IV tank that spearheaded this success is on display at The Tank Museum.
Manage Risks in Planning
Cambrai was a huge gamble, with a range of new tactics that had never been tried before.
It was to be a surprise attack following an incredible logistical effort to get over 400 operational tanks to the start point without the enemy finding out.
Elles oversaw all this – showing that calculated risks can be managed with research, training, adequate briefing and external collaboration.
As a result, further innovations emerged; including the use of aircraft to drown the noise of the tanks, the development of fascines to help the tanks cross the wider Hindenburg Line trenches, and the fitting of grappling hooks with which the mountains of barbed wire could be cleared aside.
Examples of these can be seen on or near The Tank Museums Mark IV tank.
Empower & Motivate in Communication
Morale in the Tank Corps was low after the “debacle” of Passchendaele. Tanks were ill suited to the terrain and poorly used by senior officers who didn’t understand how to use them.
The future of the Tank Corps hung in the balance. With Cambrai, Elles had bought them one last chance to show what they were capable of.
His handwritten order, Special Order Number 6, was read aloud to every tank crew.
In it, Elles provides clarity – building confidence and optimism whilst laying out his expectations. In stressing “pluck and judgement”, he was empowering his men to make individual decisions under pressure – recognising that success would be a shared responsibility.
Special Order Number 6 can be seen at The Tank Museum – and is read aloud by members of the modern Royal Tank Regiment as they mark the anniversary of the battle.
Lead From the Front
Elles concluded Special Order Number 6 stating that he would lead the attack personally.
At the time, it was basically unheard of for such a senior officer to lead their units into battle – but this was a critical moment for the Tank Corps.
To be present and visible, accepting the same risks and privations as even the most junior solider, Elles was making a statement that had a powerful and inspirational effect on the Corps – both in the moment and long after it had passed.
Develop the Culture
Alongside the actions of leaders, symbols can reinforce organisational identify and purpose – communicating mission and values.
There are few places where symbolism and ritual are as important than in the military, and Elles knew it.
He was responsible for the Tank Corps colours – a tricolour flag of brown, red and green – which is still used by the modern Royal Tank Regiment today.
It is said that he created the flag using the only colours of fabric that was left in the milliners. The colours have subsequently been interpreted in something of a regimental motto as: “From mud, through blood, to the green fields beyond” – representing the core purpose of the Tank Corps as a “breakthrough” unit.
The very flag that Elles flew from the tank that led his men into battle is on display at The Tank Museum.
