August, first with XIX Corps and then V Corps it was not directly involved in the continuing offensive. But on 16 September it transferred to 55th (West Lancashire) Division for the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge (20–25 September). New artillery tactics involved five belts of fire, the first two fired by 18-pounders, the third by 4.5-inch howitzers, moving at a slow pace with frequent pauses to allow the infantry to keep up. Batteries also had the task of swinging off to engage targets of opportunity, and had spare detachments to avoid exhaustion of the gunners. The barrage was described as 'magnificent both in accuracy and volume', German counter attacks were broken up by shellfire, and the attack was a resounding success. CCXXXII AFA Brigade then switched to 59th (2nd North Midland) Division for the successful Battle of Polygon Wood (26–30 September). While that battle was continuing, 59th Division came under the command of II ANZAC Corps, and on 1 October the brigade transferred to the New Zealand Division, which fought through the Broodseinde (4 October), and 1st Passchendaele (12 October). The conditions were becoming increasingly impossible and the quality of artillery support diminished. The Commander, Royal Artillery, of the New Zealand Division stated that he could not take part in the attack of 12 October because it was impossible to move the batteries across the Steenbeck, but he was ignored. The barrage was poor and the New Zealanders suffered heavy casualties. Cambrai The brigade was withdrawn on 21 October before the fighting at Ypres was over, and moved south to join III Corps for the Battle of Cambrai. Although the battle is famous for the first mass use of tanks, the plan was also notable for employing a massive surprise artillery barrage at zero hour with no preceding bombardment or registration. No wire-cutting fire was required because the tanks would crush it. The batteries were secretly moved into position in the days before the attack, CCXXXII AFA Bde joining 12th (Eastern) Division on 13 November. They opened fire at 06.20 on 20 November and 12th Division moved forward behind its tanks towards the Bonvais Ridge. The speed of the barrage was adjusted to the likely speed of the attackers up or down hill, with pauses for each phase. According to plan the barrage lifted at 08.50 to the Lateau Trench, then the next lift fell behind Bonvais Farm to