Matrix cracks in composite laminates are almost invariably the first damage mechanisms in composite laminates and are the precursor to more serious forms of damage. The results presented in this paper include experimental investigations into the occurrence of these cracks in a wide range of laminates containing various angle-plies. Ultrasonic detection of these cracks using polar backscattering is found to be successful and shows promise as a method which could be applied outside the laboratory. Further work includes finite element simulations which lead to an understanding of aspects of the accumulation of damage in composite laminates.