“During the heavy fighting south of Cambrai on October 8, German ... Tanks and a column of infantry advanced ... behind a wall of artificial fog. The German Tanks, which were feeling their way forward, surprised a large number of Englishmen who were standing in disordered groups. By means of machine-gun fire and Tank gunfire the English were driven back. The English troops on the eastern outskirts of Niergnies took to flight and evacuated. On the Cambrai-Crévecœur Road there were five English Tanks advancing in support of their own infantry. As they came into sight of the German Tanks the English Tanks stopped, and they were set on fire by their own crews.” By the end of the day we had advanced and widened our line along the whole front of the attack, and the next day was devoted to exploitation. [Illustration: HIS MAJESTY THE COLONEL-IN-CHIEF AND GENERAL ELLES] SPECIAL ORDER NO. 18. By Major-General H. J. Elles, C.B., D.S.O., Commanding TANK CORPS in the Field. 18th October, 1918. 1. His Majesty the King was graciously pleased to become COLONEL-IN-CHIEF of the Tank Corps on the 17th instant. 2. The following telegram was sent on behalf of the TANK CORPS: “To H. M. the King, “The news that your Majesty has graciously consented to become Colonel-in-Chief of the Tank Corps has just been received here. All ranks are deeply sensible of this signal honour conferred upon the Corps and are determined to continue worthy of it. GENERAL ELLES. “Advanced H. Q. Tank Corps. In the Field. 17th October.” 3. The following reply has been received: “To MAJOR-GENERAL H. J. ELLES. H. Q. Tank Corps, In the Field. “I sincerely thank you for the message which you have conveyed to me in the name of all ranks of the Tank Corps. “I am indeed proud to be Colonel-in-Chief of this great British organization invented by us which has played so prominent a part in our recent victories. “I wish you all every possible good luck. GEORGE R. I., Colonel-in-Chief. Buckingham Palace. LONDON, 18th October.” (Signed) H. J. ELLES, Major-General. Commanding Tank Corps in the Field. The enemy was in full retreat and a rapid advance met with the feeblest opposition. The contemporary record in the Tank Corps Intelligence Summary remarks this feature. [Illustration: MANUFACTURE] “_October 9._ “A penetration of over six miles has been made towards Le Cateau, and in the area gained, twenty-six villages have been occupied. “Tanks again co-operated.