They were to be used in definite “waves.” That is to say, supposing thirty-six Tanks were to be employed on a sector where the Germans had established the usual three lines of defence, twelve Tanks would start at zero and be used to take the first objective. Meanwhile, the second wave would have been advancing, and as soon as the first objective had been taken by the first wave, the second wave would pass through them and on to the second objective. The third party of twelve would advance in the same way--a wave to each objective. The method did not, as a matter of fact, have a good trial on this occasion, for, in the first place, the Tanks’ first objective was only the infantry second objective; and as we have seen, the enemy did not this time employ his usual method of three set lines at all. Altogether three Brigades of Tanks were to be employed with the 5th Army. Tank Brigade Commanders were to keep in touch with Corps Commanders, Tank Battalions were to act with Divisions, Tank Companies (twelve fighting Tanks) with Brigades, and individual Tanks with Battalions. The three Brigades were to be distributed as follows:-- A. _2nd Corps_ (consisting of the 24th, 30th, 18th, 8th and 25th Divisions). _2nd Tank Brigade_ (“A” and “B” Battalions). 72 Tanks to be allotted as follows:-- 1st Objective 16 2nd ” 24 3rd ” 24 The remainder to be held in reserve. The main objective was to be the Broodseinde Ridge. The ground in this area was broken by swamps and woods; only three approaches were possible for Tanks, and these formed dangerous defiles. B. _19th Corps_ (consisting of the 15th, 55th, 16th and 36th Divisions). _3rd Tank Brigade_ (“C” and “F” Battalions). 72 Tanks to be arranged as follows:-- 1st Objective 24 2nd ” 24 Reserve 24 The main objective was to be a section of the Gheluvelt-Langemarck line. On the 19th Corps front the valley of the Steenbeek was in a terrible condition, innumerable shell-holes and pools of water existed, the drainage of the Steenbeek having been seriously affected by the shelling. C. _18th Corps_ (consisting of the 39th, 51st, 11th and 48th Divisions). _1st Tank Brigade_ (“D” and “G” Battalions). 36 Tanks to be allotted thus:-- 1st Objective 12 2nd ” 12 Corps Reserve 12 They were to seize the crossings of the Steenbeek and establish posts beyond it. On the 18th Corps front the ground between our front line and Steenbeek was cut up and sodden. The Steenbeek itself was a difficult obstacle, and the only good crossing was at St. Julien, thus forming a dangerous defile. Thirty-six Tanks belonging to the 1st Brigade were held in Army Reserve. Such was the battle order of the Tanks.