Constrained by the limited forces available to them, the Anglo-French offensive was carried out by a small mixed force of British and French tanks and infantry who advanced south from Arras. The Allies made some early gains and panicked a number of German units but after an advance of up to , they were forced to withdraw after dark to avoid encirclement. The attack was a failure but had a disproportionate effect on Hitler and (OKW, German armed forces high command).