7 October 1916 - Supporting 23rd Division
The Tanks on the Somme. 7th October 1916.
C Company with 23rd Division, III Corps, 4th Army
D Company intended to get 1 tank into action on 7th October 1916
D company
D2, 539, Lt Bell HR
Notes:
Orders
The attack was originally scheduled for 4th October but was delayed by bad weather.
Zero 1:45pm
539 was to support the 12th Durham Light Infantry’s attack on La Sars. It was to start from M22c.7.1, proceed along the road leading North East out of Martinpuich to M28a.8.9. then turn towards the first objective, The Tangle centred on M22a.7.9. Once this was captured the tank was to go west along the sunken road and enter the village in support of the infantry.
Account of operations
539 started on time, supported the successful attack on The Tangle but was hit, set afire and burnt out at M16c.78.08 as it moved towards Le Sars. Three crewmen were wounded. The village was captured by the infantry before the end of the day (S2p46f).
Summary
Intended: 1
At start: 1
Failed to Start:
Engaged enemy: 1
Ditched / Broke Down:
Hit and Knocked out: 1
Rallied: 0
Penetrated by AP bullets: 0
Note
Aftermath
539 - no further record
Sources
W4 - D Company’s War Diary. Transcript from Bovington Tank Museum.
S2 - Pidgeon, Trevor (2010) Tanks on the Somme
S12 - Chris McCarthy. (1998) The Somme. The Day by Day Account. Brockhampton Press.
S22 - Staedman, Michael (1995) Thiepval, Leo Cooper P. 86ff