6 T H T A N K B A T T A L I O N.
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WAR HISTORY.
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CHAPTER I. Early Days, Formation, and Training Page 1
at Bovington.
" II. Embarkation, and Final Training in Page 8
France.
" III. Life in the Ypres Salient, and Page 15
3rd Battle of Ypres.
" IV. Refitting, and Training before Page 34
Cambrai.
" V. CAMBRAI. Page 41
" VI. Winter Quarters, and Training. Page 70
" VII. Spring Offensive. Page 77
" VIII. Training for Whippets. Page 85
" IX. AMIENS. Page 90
" X. From Ayette to the Hindenburg Line. Page 101
" XI. From Tincourt to Elincourt. Page 120
oOo
6 T H B A T T A L I O N T A N K C O R P S.
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W A R H I S T O R Y.
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CHAPTER I.
----------
As a result of the Tank Operations on the
Somme in the late Summer and Autumn of 1916, it was
seen that Tanks would play an important part in the
Battles of the future. Some persons even venturing to
say that the new Arm would be the means of ending the
deadlock of Trench Warfare.
In October of 1916, it was decided to expand
the 4 experimental Companies in France into Battalions,
and to form, in addition, 5 new Battalions in England.
On October 27th, 1916, the whole of the
Establishment at Thetford, moved to Wool in Dorset-
shire. It must be explained that at Thetford there
were two Establishments, The Training Centre, and the
Area. The Centre being responsible for training in
Machine Gunnery, 6-Pounder and all Training other than
Tank Training. The "Area" carried on the work of Tank
Driving in the secrecy which was such a
notable feature of the early days of the Tanks.
On arriving at Wool the Centre formed the
nucleus of No. 2 Battalion, under the command of
Lieut. Colonel R.J. Colson, whilst the Area formed the
nucleus of No. 3 Battalion. The Battalions at Bovington
were numbered from 1 to 5, according to the positions
they occupied in the Camp.
Instructors' Courses in Gunnery, Machine Gun
and Revolver Shooting were commenced in the first week
(2).
of November. Whilst these were proceeding the new
personnel began to arrive at the Battalion. The men
who were transferred from the Traning Centre were
from the Motor Machine Gun Corps, and were formed into
"A" Company under Captain F.S. Laskey. "B" and "C"
Companies were fomed almost entirely from men called
up in groups, under the Derby Scheme. During the last
weeks of November the men arrived in great numbers,
fresh from their Civilian occupation. Each day large
numbers were marched up from Wool Station, and passed
before the Medical Officers, whose who were passed fit
being taken in hand by the Quartermaster's Department,
and the rejected were sent back to their homes. It
should be recorded that those men selected were very
keen to get into the Tanks, and to take part in the
most up to date method of fighting.
By the first week of December sufficient
men had been selected to form the 3 Companies. "A"
Company was placed under the Command of Captain F.S. Las-
key, "B" Company under Captain C.F. Hawkins, M.C., and
"C" Company under Major Philip Hamond D.S.O., M.C.
During the first weeks of December, 1916,
beyond the Instructors' Courses, very little
Individual Training was done, most of the time being
spent on the Square, getting the men to shape as
soldiers before trying to turn them into Tank
Mechanists, and Gunners.
On December 13th a considerable number of
the men and Officers were sent to the Brigade for
Courses, in the Vickers Gun, Lewis Gun, Hotchkiss Gun,
and 6-Pounder. The remainder of the men and Officers
continued on the Square at Sound Drill, and Physical
Training.
The Battalion was made up to strength
(3)
with Junior Officers on December 12th, when a
considerable number of Young Officers arrived from the
Machine GunCorps Cadet Battalion at Bisley. These
Officers formed the bulk of the Tank Commanders when
the Battalion preceeded overseas.
From December 13th until February 24th, 1917,
Individual Training continued at high pressure.
No account of the early days of the Battalion
can be considered complete without mention of the
arrival of the Tanks at Bovington. The A.P.M. and his
Police, with numerous picquets of Officers and men,
guarded the Road from Wool Station to the Camp. All
civilian traffic was stopped, and the inhabitants of the
farms and cottages on the road were made to keep to the
back rooms of their houses. On arrival at the Camp
the Tanks were parked in a Compound in the Woods below
No. 1 Battalion Camp. This procedure was adopted each
time Tanks were brought up by Road. One Farmer on
being asked to keep to his back rooms replied he had no
objection to helping the Authorities to keep the
"Secret of the Tanks", only unfortunately one had
broken down, and had been towed into his Farm Yard,
and there left for 48 hours.
On December 29th the Battalion became known
as "F" Battalion, and the Companies as 16, 17, and
18 Companies instead "A", "B", "C".
Only a rest of 2 days at Christmas, then the
work of Individual Training proceeded with increased
vigour.
On 26th January, 1917, the Command of the
(4)
Battalion was taken over by Lieut. Colonel F.Summers
D.S.O., D.S.C., vice Lieut. Colonel R.J.Colsen.
Colonel Summers had trained and led the original "D"
Company on the Somme in the previous Autumn.
The Companies were at this period placed under the
Command of the Officers who were to proceed overseas with
them. Major A. Mc. C. Inglis D.S.O. who had seen
considerable fighting with the Tanks on the Somme with the
"Creme de Menthe" became O.C. 16 Company. Major C.F.Hawkins
M.C. Commanding 17 Company, whilst Major Philip Hamond
D.S.O., M.C. continued with 18 Company.
By February 26th sufficient Officers and Men had
completed their "Individual Training" to form a Section in
each Company. Numbers 1, 5, and 9, Sections were formed
and commenced straight away with the Section Training.
From this time onwards intense rivalry was cultivated
between Sections. Each Section had two Huts for its
Quarters, which they re-decorated with distemper and
limewash. The Mess Tables were scrubbed with bleaching
Soda, and the utensils polished until they shone like
mirrors. The small plots at the end of the Huts suddenly
blossomed out into rockeries. The number of the Section
and mottos proclaiming the merits of the Section being picked
out in chalk and pieces of broken pottery. A Battalion
Football League was started, and numerous games were played
for the Championship. In a few weeks time 3 more Sections
were added and by May 6th the whole 12 Sections had been
Completed, and had settled down to the work, of training as
Sections.
With Colonel Summers came a number of other Officers
who had fought with him in "D" Compamy on the
(5)
Somme, and the Battalion considered itself well
favoured that it should have such a leavening of old
Tank Officers.
The Battalion commenced to mobilise on April
14th, when a period of Intensive Training commenced.
The men were hardened up by Route Marches and even more
Physical Training. Section Officers conducted Compass
and Map Reading Expeditions. Refresher Classes were
run in each Section for Lewis and 6-Pounder. On the
Trench System around Gallows Hill, the Sections were
taught the Tank Tactics of the day, the training even
included taping routes by Night, and Approach Marches
by Day and by Night.
The time was rapidly approaching when we
should preceed overseas. It was a question greatly
debated at the time as to whether we should obtain
Final Leave. However, Final Leave was granted. One
half of the Battalion going on Monday April 21st,
returning Saturday April 26th, whilst the other half
of the Battalion went Monday April 28th, and returned
Saturday May 3rd.
During the period of Intensive Training the
Equipment Officer's Department had been busy, and by this
time all the men had received the new equipment, designed
for the Tank Men, being Infantry Equipment with special
revolver holster and ammunition pouches.
The finishing touches were put to the Bttalion
when each man had the now famous Red and Yellow cloth
sewn on his shoulder straps, and the cloth Tank Badge
sewn on the right sleeve of his jacket.
About a week before leaving Col. Summers offered
a prize to the Section which, on the sounding of the bugle
should be the first to march on to the Parade Ground, in Full
Marching Order, complete in every detail. The Esprit de
(6)
Section was so keen that it was found necessary to
announce that the bugle would sound between certain
hours, as some of the Sections had slept in Full Kit,
all the night, so as not to be caught unawares. The
bugle was sounded about 3 p.m. on Sunday, 13th May, and
the prize was given to No. 12 Section, under Captain
W. Arnold. The same day the Battalion was inspected
and addressed by Major General F. Gore Anley C.B. who
in the course of his address made mention that "The whole
eyes of the world would follow the achievements of the
Tank Corps in the forthcoming operations and he felt
certain that "F" Battalion would figure conspicuesly
in the role which the Tank Corps had to play to bring
forth the Allies greatest endeavour - that of Victory."
On the morning of Monday May 14th the Battalion
paraded at Bovington for the last time. Everyone was in
full Marching Order. The Battalion was to move off to
the Port of Embarkation in two trains, from Wool Station.
The first detatchment, led by Colonel Summers, was
played down to the Station by the Battalion Band, and
the Band of the Middlesex Regiment. All Bovington
turned out to see the first Battalion start for overseas.
The second detachment, under Major Hamond, left some
time later, and was played down by the Band of the
Middlesex Regiment, two journeys being considered too
much for the Battalion Band which had only recently
been formed, and pulled into shape by Captain A.R. Chapman.
The trains arrived at Southampton Docks about 3 p.m.
After detraining, and parading in Companies on the Quay,
the Battalion embarked, and made themselves as comfortable
as circumstances would permit. It was on board the
s.s. Viper, that the souvenir habit, first made its
appearance, nearly all the men, and numbers of the
Officers, bought post cards showing the s.s. Viper full
steam ahead. At dusk the transport left the Quay, and
(7)
was seen off the Needles, where the transport picked up
her escourt of destroyers. The voyage across was
perfectly eventless, and the "Viper" berthed alongside
the Quay at Le Harve at dawn. From this time onwards
the Battalion was part of the Expeditionary Force.
6th TANK BATTALION. (WAR HISTORY). (8)
CHAPTER II.
------------
At 7 a.m. the Battalion disembarked and
formed up on the Quay. Orders had been issued that a
good show was to be put up, and the appearance of the
Battalion, as they marched through the Streets, was
certainly very smart.
The Band played us through the Streets of the
Town, but the steep ascent to No.1 Rest Camp, Senlac,
soon caused them to stop. Indeed the march up hill,
in full kit, tired nearly all.
At the Rest Camp we had our first experience
under Canvas. It was a tight fit, but still everyone
was keen, and in high spirits. The Officers were
accommodated in tents, by the Officers' Rest House,
and messed in the Dining Room.
The date of departure for up the line was
indefinate, so the time was filled in by a Route
March, in the direction of Octeville. The whole
Battalion turned out for this event, the Pack Ponies
being used to carry rations. After a drink of tea the
men were allowed on the beach to bathe if they desired.
This march passed into the Battalion legends, the
distance covered increasing by leaps and bounds, until
it is now gravely stated that we marched 35 to 40
kilometres in the day.
The Dining Out Habit, and the sense which
directs soldiers to where good meals can be obtained
was cultivated from the earliest days. Tortoni's The
Moderne being Patronised by the Officers, as soon as
permission to visit the Town was given.
(9).
The Battalion left Le Harve on Sunday,
May 20th, entraining at Pont 3 Gare des Voyageurs.
The Railway Transport Authorities evidently desired to
give us a good impression of Travelling in the
British War Zone, because the usual Horse Boxes were
missing, and all ranks were provided with respectable
coaches. As this journey was the first of a long
series of Railway Journeys in the War Zone it is worth
recording that it is quickly found that the best way
of getting boiling water for tea and coffee was to make
friends with the Engine Driver, and obtain boiling water
from the boiler.
The night was spent in the train at the New
Siding at Etaples. Next morning the train arrived at
Auchy-Les-Hesdin, where the Battalion detrained and fell
in by Companies, and at once marched off to their
Billets in the Village. Captain E.J.Hobbs, M.C., the
Battalion Reconnaissance Officer, with an Advance Party,
had arrived several days ahead, and guides were at
hand to show the Sections to their Quarters. The
Billets for all Ranks were generally good. This was
the first time the inhabitants of Auchy had had a Tank
Battalion billeted on them, and showed considerable
pleasure in our stay there. In the hard times that
were ahead the men frequently referred to the Billets,
and the good times they had at Auchy-Les-Hesdin.
We were here brigaded with "C" Battalion, and
were in the 3rd Tank Brigade, Commanded by Colonel
Hardres Lloyd, D.S.O.
On arrival in France the Section became more and
more the Unit. There were Section Billets, Section
Messes, and Section Cook-Houses. The rivalry between
Sections indeed became more intense.
(10).
On the 26th May, we, at full strength, were
inspected by Brigadier General H.J.Elles, D.S.O.,
Commanding the Corps in France, in the Grounds of the
Chateau at Auchy.
The 1st of June saw the Battalion moved to the
Corps Driving School at Wailly. THe transportation was
effected by Motor Omnibuses, the route being via St. Pol
and Arras. The journey was of considerable interset to
most of the Battalion, it being their first time they
had seen a ruined City such as Arras.
A certain number of Mark IV Tanks were taken
over, and driving instruction was organised over the
old Trench System between Wailly, Blairville, and
Ficheux. The Training here was extremely good, and
the crews gained considerably in confidence.
Owing to the limited number of Tanks the work was
divided into 3 periods, the first starting at 4 a.m., and
the last finishing at 8 p.m. Frequent demonstrations
were given to Army and Corps Commanders, illustrating
the action of Tanks in assisting Infantry in attacking a
Trench System. Generally, after these demonstrations,
the Staff Officers would be given rides in the Tanks,
good drops and jumps being carefully selected.
This period of Training at Wailly was
particularly valuable, because, besides the Driving
Practice, Officers and men became accustomed to making
themselves comfortable under all circumstances.
The rigid rules, on the question of Dress, was
very considerably relaxed. Shirt sleeves, shorts,
long stockings, and short Highlanders puttees became
the rule, everything of as light a colour as possible,
during the extremely hot weather. A long staff, after
(11).
the manner of an Alpine Stock, instead of the short
crook, was another feature introduced.
The salvage work on the old British and
German Trench System, had not been anything like
completed. Many German Dug-Outs, of an enormous depth,
had hardly been touched. In the spare time parties
from the Battalion explored these workings, and soon acquired
the art of making life comfortable by means of
unconsidered trifles.
On June, 5th, just previous to the Battle
of Messines, two Sections of Tanks were ordered to
proceed to Croiselles and move towards Henin-sur-Cojeul,
and to show themselves in daylight in such a manner that
the German aircraft must see them. The object being to
mislead the enemy into believing that an
offensive would take place in that neighbourhood.
Towards the end of the Training a point to
point Cross Country Race was organised. Each Section had
a race over the Course against time, and the crew and bus,
with the best time, was selected to compete in the
Company Race. Finally on Sunday, June 9th, the three
Companies competed in the final. The result was that
16 Company was first, 2/Lieut. V.G.Sanders, 18 Company
second, 2/Lieut. H.Pearson D.C.M., and 17 Company third,
2/Lieut. W.D.Howell. It is doubtful if Mark IV's ever
before or since have attained the speed they did that
afternoon. Rumour said that all sorts of devices were
resorted to in order to get the extra speed out of the
buses.
On the occasion of one of these races one
keen Tank Commander kept his Bus in "4th" until actually
crossing the famous Sunken Road, intending to slip his
Secondary Gears from 2 to 1, as he descended. His
(12).
Gearsmen got them out of two right enough, but were
unable to get them into one. The Tank rushed madly
down the slope, half climbed the other Bank, and then
dropped back again, continuing in this way until it
finally came to rest at the bottom.
After a fortnight of Training at Wailly we
returned to Auchy-Les-Hesdin, where training continued.
The next visit was to the Corps Gunnery School
at Marlimont. Each company was to go for a week. 16
Company leading off, 18 Company following at an interval
of a week. Work started early in the morning, parties
being detailed to shoot on the 6-Pdr Range, or the
Machine Gun Range on the Dunes. Bathing parties were
arranged each day under an Officer, and the whole
Company would sometimes be in the water together.
The Battalion drew their first Fighting
Tanks at Erin, on June 16th. The party drawing them
proceeded to Central Workshops at Erin by Lorry, and
drew 19 Tanks and trekked to Auchy with them. After
18 Company had gone to Marlimont it had been intended
that 17 Company should follow, but it was found that
time would not permit this, as the Battalion had to be
equipped and ready to move to the "Forward Area" by the
end of the month.
The week following was occupied in drawing
Tanks from Erin, and trekking them, by road, to Auchy-
Les-Hesdin, where a Tankodrome had been made. Shortly
the whole Battalion was equipped with Tanks, 12
Fighting Tanks and 2 Supply Tanks per Company. The
Organization was that in each Company that there were
3 Fighting Sections, each with 4 Tanks (2 Males and 2
Females), and 1 Supply Section with 2 Supply Tanks.
(13).
It was finally arranged that each Company should have
one Section entirely of Females.
There was considerable amusement and excitement
over the naming of the Tanks, of course all had to
commence with the letter F. Some of these names
afterwards became famous.
Each section tried its utmost to turn its
buses out as smart as possible. A complete overhaul was
made. The inside was scoured and painted. All brass
unions were polished, and the whole interior
got up in a way that would not have disgraced the
traditions of the Navy.
Several Sections adopted Section signs, which
were painted on the noseof the Tanks. The neatest idea
was that which was later adopted by 16 Company,
Major Inglis's Company. The Company was represented by
a hand of cards, and each section had a suit allotted to
it. Thus F.1. had the ace of Hearts painted on each side
of the nose. The other Sections had Spades, Diamonds and
Clubs. The Section being indicated by the suit, and the
number by the card. One of 17 Company's Sections
adopted the Mailed Fistand Dagger as its sign. Whilst
in No.9 Section each Tank Crew Commander dipped his
hand in red paint, and pressed it against the nose of the
bus, thus christening it with the sign of the blood
stained hand.
By the last week in June the whole Battalion
was ready for action, on whatever part of the front the
Great Ones should assign to us.
We were soon to feel the benefit of the
Careful training, Individual, Section, and Company, of
the last 6 months, and to appreciate the careful and
thorough organization which had been lavished on the
(14).
Battalion.
Everyone was concious of the excellent feeling
and spirit of comradeship which extended between all ranks.
But it was only later that all recognised to the full,
how the constant association of Officers and men, working
together, either on courses or in Sections, had created
an Espirit de Corps which was to pull the Battalion
through the tough times to come.
Tank Battalion. (War History). (15).
CHAPTER III.
------------
It is always a mystery how rumours originate.
Although the secret of our destination was perfectly kept,
yet about the end of June old hands were talking
knowingly of the Salient. There has only been one Salient
on the British front, that rough angle of Trench Systems
guarding the ruins of Ypres, and its water logged lands.
On July 2nd the move was commenced by 16
Company trekking the Fighting Tanks to the Railhead at
Erin. The day following 16 Company entrained at Erin at
2 p.m., and left for Oesthoek Wood, under Major
A.Mc.C.Inglis, D.S.O. arriving there about 10.30p.m. where
they detrained and camouflaged. The same day 17 Company
left Auchy for Erin, under Major C.F.Hawkins, D.S.O., M.C.
and entrained for Oesthoek the following day. Whilst
18 Company, under Major P.Hammond, D.S.O., M.C. left Auchy
for Erin on July 4th, and entrained for Oesthoek on the
5th, arriving about 11 p.m. the same night. By 3 a.m. the
morning of July 6th, the whole of the Fighting Tanks of the
Battalion had arrived in the Wood, and were camoflaged in
such a way that no enemy airmen would take the mounds and
hummocks of green stuff for Tanks.
On the night of the 4th, 17 Company had their
first experience of shell fire. The enemy long range guns
worrying the Woods for several hours.
It will be as well here to give some description
of the Wood and surrounding country. Oesthoek Wood was
just off Elverdinghe-Poperinghe Road, in a central position
between Poperinghe, Elverdinghe, and Vlamertinghe. To those
who know Flanders it is just one of those rather dense
Woods of young Oak Trees. There were remains of
(16).
breastworks which had evidently been constructed in 1915,
when there was danger of the enemy breaking through.
The works now were in a bad state of repair, but in the
small dug-outs and shelters it was possible to accommodate
the crews, and make thing fairly comfortable.
In his systematic manner the Bosche used to
worry the Camp with long range guns. It was here that
the first casualties to the Battalion occurred. On the
night of the 4th a shell burst near the Guard, supplied by
17 Company, killing one man Pte.T.Atkinson, and wounding
two others Privates H.Atkinson and F.Bingham. "C" Battalion
on the North side of the Railway, had even worse luck.
A shell landed in their Headquarters, causing several
casualties, and another landed in the cook-house.
As the enemy paid too much attention to the
Wood, it was decided to shift the Camp, which had been
commenced, further back, and to leave only a guard and
necessary working parties there.
On July 6th, the whole Battalion, less the
Guard, moved to La Louvie, on the Poperinghe-Crombeke Road,
where, in another wood, well concealed from inquisitive
airmen, another Camp was established.
The Supply Sections, with Tanks arrived at
Oesthoek Wood on the night of the 6th, and later joined the
Battalion in the new Camp. In a short time Battalion life
was going on again in full swing. Spare tarpaulins, thrown
over saplings, lashed to two trees, made good messes both
for Officers and other ranks, and although the Wood
resembled a Gipsy Encampment, yet it was suprising how
comfortable one became under canvas in La Louvie Wood.
It will be as well to describe the life at
the Camp at La Louvie, and then that of the Detachment at
(17).
Oesthoek.
At La Louvie it was impossible to have Tents
arranged in orderly rows as is the custom with
Military Camps. All that could be done was to keep each
Company's tentage grouped together, and to have the
Cook-houses at the end of the Camp. There would be an
early morning parade and inspection unless conditions
made it impossible. Breakfasts at 8 a.m. under Mess
Bivouacs. Owing to the impossibility of obtaining enough
room to have Company Messes, the Section and Company
Headquarter's Messes continued in the 'al fresco' style.
16 Company had 5 shanties presided over by the Major,
and his four Section Commanders. 17 Company and
18 Company each had a Headquarter's Mess and a large shed
with a corner detailed to each of the Sections. The
Battalion Headquarters had a Nissen Hut, which also did
service as Colonel Summers Office.
The Band at this time flourished exceedingly
playing its selections each evening. The R.S.M. A.Macer,
acting as a whip to the Band, and generally fathering
it in its infant days.
A benevolent G.H.Q. seemed to have arranged
a splendid system of Lorries both ways along the
Crombeke Road to and from Poperinghe. The majority of the
Battalion took full advantage of this fact to lorry hop
into the town. Owing to the great concentration of
troops in Flanders, for the famous Paschendale Push,
Poperinghe was always surging with troops. All
regiments and Arms of the British Army were to be met there.
It came to everyone's turn to go up to Oesthoek,
and act as Guard and Maintenance Party, at the
(18).
Tankodrome. The shelling was not severe by any means,
but it was advisable to sleep in the shelters left
in the old breastwork. Rations and mails would come up
every day. Those not actually detailed for Guard had
plenty of work to do fitting the new Unditching Gear,
which came into use just before the Battle of Ypres.
Great care had to be taken to avoid being seen from a
Bosche Observation Balloon. Then there were thousands of
rounds of Ammunition to be filled into Lewis Pans. Lewis
Guns had to be cleaned and oiled periodically, likewise the
6-Pounders. Also the Engines had to be started and cleaned
frequently.
No more casualties were caused, however, by
enemy long range shelling, although he continued to annoy
the wood. No one who was there is likely to forget the
night the enemy 'set up' three truck loads of 12" shells.
The R.G.A. had a 12" Howitzer just off the Railway, through
the Wood about 200 yards from the Tankodrome. The Bosche
had been busy with counter-battery work for some time, and
that particular night the Gunners were changing position.
The Howitzer had already left, and the ammunition, loaded
into trucks, awaited an Engine. A lucky shot from a
long range gun struck a truck, and set fire to the charges,
soon the truck was burning merrily. The Gunners fled through
the Tank Park in search of Cover. The Sentry and Guard
sought shelter beneath the Buses, and waited for the worst.
There was a terrific explosion with a mighty rush of air,
a pause, and then a deluge of metal. Luckily no damage
was done. Someone crept out to see how matters stood,
and then it was seen that there were another two to go,
so another dive underneath, and another anxious wait,
until the deluge of metal had ceased. Not a single man
or Tank was hurt. Although the Traffic Man, at
"Dirty Bucket Corner" 1/4 mile away had his arm smashed.
(19).
Whilst at Auchy, the Adjutant,
Captain W.H.Mortimore, left the Battalion on account
of ill-health, Captain E.J.Hobbs M.C. temporarily
became Adjutant to the Battalion, Captain G.P.Voss, M.C.
became Battalion Reconnaissance Officer. Under
Captain Voss, and the Company Reconnaissance Officers
the reconnaissance work proceeded. First of all the
route was chosen from the Wood to the Canal. Then from
the Canal to the Jumping Off Point at Wailtje. The
Approach March had to be done in three stages, so
'lying up' places had also to be chosen. After a
thorough reconnaissance of the ground behind our Front
Line, the next thing was to gain some knowledge of the
various objectives. The R.Os., by means of vertical
and oblique Aeroplane Photos, pointed out, and
drilled into the Crew Commanders and N.C.O.s the places
they would have to clear up on the day they would go
over the top. After this journeys were made to the
front line, and advantageous points, where peeps over
the parapet were taken at such places as Bosart Farm,
Pommeru Redoubt, Somme Farm, and Kansas Cross.
During this time the tracks and roads
in the Salient lived up their evil reputation, and
they were many experiences during these Reconnaissance
trips.
By the end of the month all that
could be done to make Officers and men familiar with
the places they had to take, had been done. Then
came the job of preparing Forward Dumps of Petrol, Oil,
and grease, to replenish the Tanks on the journeys to
the 'jumping off' point, and after action. The final
dump was prepared at St. Jean by Major Philip Hammond
D.S.O., M.C., and C.S.M. J.O'Keefe, M.M. with a working
(20).
Party with Ford Box-Bodies.
On the night of July 25th 17 Company left
the Tankodrome at 9.30 p.m., and reached Trois Tours
at 3.30 a.m. A Guard was left on the Tanks, and after
camouflaging the remainder of the personnel returned
to Camp.
Whilst awaiting the arrival of the Tanks
at Trois Tours Captain W.Mann, 2nd-in-Command of
17 Company, and 2/Lieut.J.C.Porter were killed by a
shell hitting the dug-out in which they were
sheltering.
On the 26th Orders were received
postponing Zero 72 hours. Advantage was taken of this
delay to give additional rest to the crews.
On the evening of the 27th the crews of
17 Company left La Louvie by Lorry, and arrived at
Trois Tours taking over their Tanks from the Guard.
The Company started from Trois Tours at 9.30 p.m. and
trekked to Murat Farm, arriving at 11.30 p.m., where
they again camouflaged, and left the Tanks under a
Guard.
The next night both 16 and 17 Companies
Crew went up in lorries. 16 Company to Oesthoek
Wood, and 17 Compamy to Murat Farm.
The start from Oesthoek Wood was made
by 16 Company at 9.30 p.m., the Approach March was
made over the same route as that chosen by 17
Company 3 nights earlier. The March was without
incident, and Murat Farm was reached by 2.30 a.m.
In the meantime 17 Company left Murat Farm and
crossed the Yser Canal by Essex Farm, via Frascati.
(21).
During this Approach several casualties occurred,
Captain L.C.Bond M.C., Lieut.A.S.W.Willis,
2/Lieut.R.P.Foster, L/Cpl.A.J.Frost, and Gunner
A.J.Lloyd (Workshop Company) attached to 17 Company
were wounded.
16 Company arrived at St.Jean at 2.30 a.m.
July 30th. Both Companies fitted their Tanks with
spuds at St.Jean.
On the night of the 30th the route from
St.Jean to the Starting Point - Oxford Road, and
from Oxford Road to the British front line, was taped
out.
At 3.50 a.m. Zero, on the morning of
July 31st 17 Company left Oxford Road under Major
C.F.Hawkins M.C., and proceeded into Battle, whilst
16 Company, under Major A.Mc.C.Inglis D.S.O. left
St.Jean and proceeded into Battle at 9.30 a.m. 18
Company, under Major Philip Hamond D.S.O.,M.C.
proceeded as far as Reigersburg, and there awaited
further orders.
The action, as regards this Battalion
is divided into two parts:-
(1). The attack on the Black Line.
(2). The attack on the Green Line.
No 17 Company was ordered to attack the
Black Line with three Sections of four Tanks,
advancing with the Infantry of the 165th and 166th
Brigades, from the Blue Line at Zero, plus 1 hour
15 minutes.
No. 16 Company was ordered to attack
the Green Line, with two Sections of four Tanks,
to advance with the Infantry of the 164th Brigade,
from the Black to the Green dotted line at Zero plus
(22).
6 hours 20 minutes, followed up by the "Mopping
Up Section", of four Tanks.
No. 18 Company remained in Corps
Reserve, during this action.
Black Line.
-----------
The 12 Tanks of No. 17 Company crossed Oxford
Road at Zero. F.36, F.38, and F.39 being led by
their Officers. F.23 and F.21 in the Centre, and
F.28 on the right, reaching their objective the
Black Line. All except F.36 and F.38 were very
late owing to the difficulty encountered in
advancing over the bad ground.
F.36. "Furious".
---------------
On the left, whilst advancing to her Objective,
captured two Germans by the side of a Field Gun,
also knocked out a Machine Gun in Border House.
She then became ditched, and as the unditching
gear had already been shot away, could not be got
out. The Officer in charge was wounded.
F.38. "Firefly".
----------------
Reached her Objective, and was then sent for by
the Infantry. Knocked out a Machine Gun 150 yards
South West of Spree Farm. After Patrolling the
black line again, while searching for Machine Guns,
this Tank received a Direct Hit, which stopped her.
Afterwards she received 3 more Direct Hits, and
was burnt out. The Officer in charge was killed.
F.39. "Formosa".
----------------
Dispersed Snipers and knocked out a Machine Gun
in Capricorn Trench, and cleared out 20 of the
enemy in the Communication Trench leading to the
Capricorn Keep, who were holding up the Infantry.
She returned to the Rallying Point.
F.23. "Foggie".
---------------
Arrived late and proceeded to Bank Farm where the
Infantry were signalling for assistance. The enemy
was cleared out, and retired towards Pommern
Redoubt. Owing to a leaking Radiator this Tank
became stopped at Plum Farm.
F.21. "Five Knights".
---------------------
Proceeded to Plum Farm where the Infantry were
held up by Four Machine Guns. The Guns were
silenced and the crew of one captured. She went
on then to Pommern Redoubt, and drove out the
Garrison. After patrolling in front, whilst the
Infantry were consolidating, she returned home.
(23).
F.28. "Formidable".
-------------------
Having been ditched on the way up, was fetched by the
Infantry to Pommern Redoubt. Fire was opened out in the
direction pointed out by the Infantry. Six of the crew
were wounded by Machine Gun Bullets. While manoeuvering
to bring the port guns to bear, she became ditched.
The guns were taken out of the Tank and used from a
shell hole, later in the day the Tank was unditched and
returned home.
F.27. "Fighting Mac".
---------------------
F.37. "Ferocious".
------------------
F.22. "Flying Fox".
-------------------
Reached approximately the Blue Line, the two former
were stopped by Mechanical trouble.
F.30. "Flaming Fire".
---------------------
Before reaching the Blue Line received a direct hit,
and was burnt out.
F.26. "Fearless".
-----------------
F.25. "Fums Up".
----------------
The former was ditched, and the latter broke the
Coventry Chain, both before reaching the Blue Line.
Green Line.
-----------
At Zero the two Sections forming the first wave
left the point of Assembly at St.Jean for their
position of deployment on the Black Line. At 4.20 a.m.
the four "Mopping Up" Tanks, which formed the second
wave, left the Point of Assembly, followed by two
Supply Tanks, and a Wireless Tank. This Company had
great difficulty between the German front line and the
Blue Line, owing to the bad going. In spite of frequent
uses of the unditching gear several Tanks became
hopelessly ditched.
F.13. "Falcon".
---------------
In crossing the German Front line became ditched three
times, but proceeded, and fire was opened South of
Spree Farm, on the Germans who were still holding up
the Infantry in this place. On the Infantry
commencing to advance from the Black Line, with this
Tank leading, she received a direct hit which killed
the Officer in charge, and completely wrecked the Tank.
F.15. "Fifinella".
------------------
This Tank became ditched twice in the German Front Line
System, the last time, although every effort was made
(24).
under heavy fire for four hours, she could not be
moved. During this time the Officer in charge, and
a member of the crew, were wounded.
F.11. "Fizyama".
----------------
Had given a good deal of Mechanical trouble before
Action, and though repaired, broke down after
starting, and never reached the British Front line.
F.12. "Friar Tuck".
-------------------
Started late owing to Mechanical trouble, but caught
up the other Tanks, she was ditched twice in the
German front line system, and the last time could not
be got out.
F.9. "Feu Follet".
------------------
This Tank was ditched in the German Front Line
System, and owing to the Unditching Gear having been
shot away had to be dug out, thus causing a big
delay. After unditching the Tank proceeded to the
Green Line and was in action. As the Infantry were
consolidating, and did not require help, the Tank
returned to the Company Rallying Point near Hill 35.
Whilst here the petrol tank was hit by a fragment of
shell, and the Tank put out of action.
F.6. "Feu D'Artifice".
----------------------
This tank became ditched in the German front line,
and the Engine overheating, was unable to be got out.
F.7. "Feu de Ciel".
-------------------
This Tank was ditched 4 times crossing the German
Front line system, and the last time could not be
got out.
F.5. "Firefly".
---------------
Became ditched in the German Front Line System, and
owing to the strain thereby imposed, Mechanical
trouble supervened. The crew of this Tank were
transferred to F.1.
F.1. "Firespite".
-----------------
In crossing the German Front Line System, this Tank
became ditched and five of the crew wounded. A new
crew from F.5 was obtained. The Tank got out and
proceeded into action on the Green Line. Finding
the Infantry were consolidating she returned home,
but became ditched in crossing the German front line
system. As the unditching gear had been shot away
the Tank could not be got out.
F.3. "Frolic".
--------------
This tank was ditched 4 times whilst crossing the
German front line system, and finally put out of
action by a fragment of shell striking the magneto.
The Officer in charge of the Tank was wounded.
(25).
F.4. "Flint".
-------------
This Tank proceeded to the Green Line, but
PRO Reference WO 95/107 (part)