The British began Process_start a desultory bombardment Attack on 31 August and the shelling Use_firearm became Becoming intense from 13 September , to `` soften Cause_change_of_strength '' the German defences , except in the area of the Fifth Army ( General Hubert Gough ) , where the slow bombardment Attack continued until before zero hour , when a surprise hurricane bombardment Attack was to be fired Use_firearm .

The assault Attack on Calais followed Motion the formula used at Boulogne : seal off the town , soften Cause_change_of_strength up the defenders with artillery , aerial and naval bombardments and infantry assaults supported by armour , including flame-throwing tanks and coordinated creeping artillery barrages .

It was hoped Change_sentiment that the preliminary naval and air bombardments would soften up the beach defences and destroy coastal strong points .