Summary of the events of the Battle of Cambrai  20th - 24th November from The Life of a Regiment.

The number of tanks allotted to the divisional front was enormous by comparison with anything hitherto experienced : a battalion of 36 to each of the leading brigades - the 152nd on the right and 153rd on the left. (p.167 )

The attack was launched at 6.30 am on November 20th. What followed was a wonderful experience for the infantry. ... the tanks swept forward in tremendous strength and cracked open the shell of the German defence. The programme was not without a flaw because a number of tanks got ditched. (p.168 )

The 5th Gordon Highlanders had a great day.  It took the front Hindenburg trench without difficulty but found itself for the time being bereft of aid from armour. On its right a platoon made its way up a sunken road in which it penetrated the wire, entered the second trench, and began to work its way along this.  On the left a platoon waited for the tanks of the second phase which cleared a way through the wire. About 400 prisoners were sent back by the battalion.  Its own losses were 6 men killed, 4 officers and 52 men wounded.  When the brigade staff asked it were fit for more Lt. Col McTaggart had no hesitation in answering yes. (p.168)

The battalion was relieved on 24th Nov but the 51st Division had to be rushed back at the end of the month to help stem a German counter attack.

The British commander-in-chief decided to reduce the salient in which his forces stood and on 3rd December ordered a withdrawl to a good line including Flesquieres ans a section of the Hindenburg line.  Little time was given for demolitions, but the 5th Gordons report that they made the abandoned front as uncomfortable as possible. In particular, communication trenches were filled in.  The division remained in the sector. (p172-173)

The War Diary, continued.

Place	Date	Summary
VARENNES	25th Nov	On 25th cleaning and renewing of clothing and equipment was carried out.
	26th Nov	Inspections were held under company arrangements.
	27th -29th Nov	Baths were alloted to the battalion at Acheux. Interior economy, close order drill, handling of arms etc was carried out by companies.   Training on 29th
	30th Nov	In the forenoon training was carried out by the battalion under company arrangements In the afternoon the battalion received sudden orders to move. It marched from VARENNES to ACHEUX where it entrained for BAPAUME. From Bapaume it marched to LECHELLE where it stayed overnight.

There are many sources for details of the battle and General Harper's attitude to tanks. For example see: Battle of Cambrai

Report in Buchan Observer 13/11/1917 5th Gordon Highlanders Presentation of Flag by Commanding Officer  A full dress parade of the 5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders was held the other day at its present headquarters at the western front, on the occasion of the presentation of a flag to the Battalion from the Commanding Officer L.Col M.F. McTaggart D.S.O.  The ceremony was a very interesting one and the Commanding Officer in presenting the flag addressed the battalion in the following inspiring tones: Officers, NCOs and men of the 5th Gordon Highlanders, it is my privilege to-day to present the battalion with this regimental flag. Our old one, as you can see, is torn with shrapnel and faded with the weather. Much as we would like to preserve it for its great association, it is clear that its day is past and the old must give way to the new. Although its colours are faded it represents deeds of valour, devotion to duty and self-sacrifice that will never fade, and by this ceremony we pass on into the new all that the old has stood for. Therefore I now present this banner to the battalion as a symbol for all the great record the battalion has made during the present war, and as a standard for ourselves and our successors to live up to from now onwards for all time.