The plan was to break the German line by a concentrated attack across a narrow front (around five miles) between the Canal de Nord and St Quentin canal and then Cambrai would be encircled and Boulon Ridge captured. The battle is noted as the first successful use by the British of tanks. Newly developed tactics were used, including the use of air interdiction and mixed infantry and tank formations. The assault was assigned to the 19 divisions of the British Third Army, of which the 12th division was one, part of which was the 6th Batt Royal West Kents.

The 6th Batt Royal West Kents captured Lateau wood (arrowed) on 20th November 1917.

The British advance was halted and the Germans began to plan their counter-attack. The Germans intended to employ the new tactics of a short, intense period of shelling followed by a rapid assault using Hutier infiltration tactics, leading elements attacking in groups rather than waves and bypassing strong opposition.

The German attack began at 0700 on November 30. Almost immediately the majority of III Corps divisions were heavily engaged. Gruppe Caudry attacked from Bantouzelle to Rumilly and aimed for Marcoing. Gruppe Busogny was targeted from Banteux. The initial speed of the German infantries advance was completely unexpected by the British. The commands of 29th and 12th division were almost captured, with Brigadier-General Vincent having to fight free from his own encircled headquarters and then grab men from any retreating units to try and halt the Germans

The 6th Btn. Royal West Kents was surrounded and cut off after the German attack and, according to the War Diary, its remaining strength was 1 Officer and 17 other ranks. At full strength a battalion consisted of 30 officers and 977 other ranks.