1115 The Battle of Cambrai, by Bryan Cooper (read 11 May 1971) This is an account of the first big tank battle--began Nov. 20, 1917. The first day brought great success, but it was not followed up and the German counter-attack wiped out much of the gains later. Much of the detailed account was not too absorbing. But, as usual, the wrap-up chapter--the 'now' scene--caught me: the author visited the scenes in 1966: "One recalls all the heroic words and moving poetry that has been written about these men. But in the stillness. where only a gentle breeze rustles the tall cypresses, and in the unpretentious surroundings of well-cut grass and clusters of primulas and forget-me-nots, they seem to have no place. There is a greater simplicity here that is timeless and knows no language. One is almost an intruder. Many of these men fought and died bravely. But such was the waste and needless slaughter on the Western Front that the over-riding feeling is that these were simply the unlucky ones. They have no great message to pass on, even as to the futility of war. It is for the living to learn that for themselves. All these men wish is to be left in peace." ( )