The most important tactical innovation used in this battle was the rolling barrage.

The rolling barrage meant that the soldiers advanced at the same time as the bombardment.

Great care was taken in the planning of counter-battery fire, the artillery barrage time-table and machine-gun barrages.[e]

After an opening bombardment the infantry would advance for a prescribed distance behind a ‘creeping’ barrage of shells.

On the rain-soaked morning of October 26, 1917, a rolling barrage marked the start of the offensive.

The Canadians advanced quickly behind a rolling barrage, but were forced to put on their respirators due to German gas shells.

The advancing barrage won the ground; the infantry merely occupied it, pouncing on any points at which resistance survived.

The success of the assault is attributable to the careful preparation by the Canadians and the use of the creeping barrage.

Artillery targets were carefully plotted and an immense creeping barrage of artillery and machine-gun fire was designed to move ahead of the infantry.

Advancing behind a creeping barrage, the infantry was aided by the "new engine of war," the armoured tank, which frequently threw the enemy into confusion.

The Canadian assault began early on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, with the first wave of Canadians advancing behind a creeping barrage.

The Canadian assault began early on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, with the first wave of Canadians advancing behind a creeping barrage.

Advances on the 30th were smaller, and the creeping barrage was less successful, particularly on the 3rd Division front.

At 5:20 am on 27 September, the creeping barrage opened up and the initial advance of only four Canadian battalions went forward across the canal du Nord.

Advancing behind a creeping barrage, the infantry was aided by the "new engine of war," the armoured tank, which frequently threw the enemy into confusion.