landships - Supply Tanks

MKI and MKII

Supply tanks

MkI and II Supply Tanks. June – October 1917

When A and B Battalions first used the MK IV on the attack on Messines Ridge in June 1917 they were accompanied by twelve supply tanks (2 per company). These supply tanks were old Mk Is and IIs that had had their guns removed and their sponsons cleared for the carriage of stores ^(S11.p82).

For Third Ypres the other Battalions were also provided with some old Mk I and II tanks which were converted into supply tanks.

Only some of the supply tanks identities are known.

All the old Mk I and II supply tanks were replaced with purpose built Mk IV sledge pulling supply tanks prior to Battle of Cambria in November 1917.

Note – only Supply duties listed, for more complete histories see relevant tank list.

A Battalion

767, A13, Auxiliary

June 9th 1917 – Supply Tank – A Battalion. New extension shaft fitted. (W1)

Approximately Sept 1917 – A13 – "Auxiliary" – 2Lt Keogh FB - No 4 Section, 1 Coy (W1)

749, A15, Attaché

Approximately Sept 1917 – A15 – "Attaché" – 2Lt Caesar IV - No 4 Section, 1 Coy (W1)

774, A31, Afrikander

June 9th1917 – Supply Tank – A Battalion. Engine renewed. (W1)

Approximately Sept 1917 – A31 – "Afrikander" – 2Lt McLean - No 7 Section, 2 Coy (W1)

773, A34, Albion

Approximately Sept 1917 – A34 – "Albion" – 2Lt De Faye FR- No 7 Section, 2 Coy (W1)

Photographed derelict in German hands, with another derelict tank (unable to reference)

Approximately Sept 1917 – A35 –– 2Lt Richardson EA - No 7 Section, 2 Coy (W1)

703, A57, Armadillo

Approximately Sept 1917 – A57 –– "Armadillo" - 2Lt Scrutten FS - No 12 Section, 3 Coy (W1)

705

9 June 1917 – Supply Tank – A Battalion. Radiator replaced (W1) (Possibly 703 meant)

717, A59, Alligator

Approximately Sept 1917 – A59 ––"Alligator" - 2Lt Ehnhardt JA - No 12 Section, 3 Coy (W1)

B Battalion

741, probably B19, Beach Comber

Probably July 1917 – B19 – "Beach Comber" – 2Lt Coulson AV - No 4 Section, 4 Coy (W2)

786, probably B20, Beau Brocade

Probably July 1917 – B20 – "Beau Brocade" – 2Lt Thomas EA- No 4 Section, 4 Coy (W2)

712, B53, Dodo, (Messines), probably B39, Badger

7 June 1917 – B53 - "Dodo" - Supply tank at Messines. (XXXXXXX)

Probably July 1917 – B39 – "Badger" – 2Lt Thomas AG - No 8 Section, 5 Coy (W2)

31 July 1917 – B39 – In action (W22)

726, probably, B40, Buffalo

11 Aug 1917 – B40 - Supply tank No 5 Coy (W2)

12 Aug 1917 –Supply tank No 5 Coy (W2)

Probably July 1917 – B40 – "Buffalo" – 2Lt Thomas EA- No 8 Section, 5 Coy (W2)

31 July 1917 – B40 – In action (W22)

9 Sept 1917 - Supply tank from No 5 to No 4 Coy (W2)

775

24 July 1917 – Supply tank No 6 Coy (W2)

31st July 1917 – B18 – In action (Serial number unknown) (W22)

746

25 July 1917 – Supply tank No 6 Coy (W2)

31 July 1917 – B54 – In action (Serial number unknown) (W22)

742

25 July 1917 – Supply tank No 6 Coy (W2) (Note: Possibly 741 actually meant?)

C Battalion

6 June 1917 – Supply Tanks arrive (W3)

580, C7, Cork