Using tanks to launch a counterattack was Erwin's attempt at a new tactic, derived from Shire's "elastic defense."
Unlike "elastic defense," Erwin did not allow the British Army to breach his defense line. Instead, he launched the counterattack directly based on the defense line.
This was based on the current reality of the German Army: they had opened a gap approximately 20 kilometers wide in the defense line, and this narrow passage was the logistical supply line for the forward insertion units.
Once the enemy was let in, the logistical supply line would likely be cut off by the British Army.
Therefore, Erwin believed he could not retreat a single step and had to lock the British Army tightly within Antwerp!
Considering that the British Army's offensive with infantry and cavalry could very well break into the trenches and engage in close combat with the German Army.
