13 Company 20 November 1917

The Tanks at Cambrai. 20th November 1917

13 Company, E Battalion, with 152nd Brigade, 51st Div, IV Corp, 3rd Army

This was 13 Company’s second action.

13 Company had 12 tanks in action on 20th November 1917 (W1tb)

13 Company Maj Morgan (W5a)

1 Section. Capt. Bruce

WC, 2815, “Escapade”, 2Lt Black possibly crew E2

Haulage, 2Lt H Clifford possibly crew E4

WC, 2345, “Eyewitness”, 2Lt Curruthers possibly crew E1

2 Section. Capt. Hooley

E1, m, “Eclipse II”, Lt Tripe possibly crew E4

E2, f, “Earwig”, 2Lt H. Stokes

E3, m, “Explorer”, 2Lt Lenard

3 Section. Capt. Roberts

E4, f, “Eradicator II”, 2Lt Briant possibly crew E19

E5, 2342, m, “Exterminator”, 2Lt Green possibly crew E17

E6, f, “Emblem”, 2Lt H Claughton

4 Section. Capt. Tatnell

E7, f, “Empire”, 2Lt CA Blancrowe possibly crew E6

E8, f, “Extinguisher II”, 2Lt Llewellyn possibly crew E10

E9, f, “Exclusive II”, 2Lt Hughes / 2Lt Calder possibly crew E9

Notes

Tank rear numbers, names, sexes and OIC names listed in 152b. The section numbers are not given. The WC and the Haulage tanks are not given sexes and 2Lt Black and Clifford's tanks are not named. 

The Cambrai Battlegraphs give the tanks names, commanders and sections. 2Lt Black is in charge of Escapade, 2Lt Clifford's tank is not named the battlegraph lists the section numbers with the OICs indicated above but assigns the Section commanders differently: Capt. Hooley is in charge of Empire, Extinguisher and Exclusive; Capt. Roberts is in charge of Eclipse, Explorer and Earwig; Capt. Tatnell is in charge of Emblem, Exterminator and Eradicator 

Serial numbers of Escapade, Eyewitness, and Exterminator from September reports (W5a)

Note only Eclipse is given a II postnominal in the Infantry Brigade list, in the Battlegraph Extinguisher, Exclusive, Eclipse and Eradicator are all given II postnominals. 

Each of 13 and 15 Company's eighteen fighting tanks carried the numbers E1 to E18 (right tank to left tank) the wire crushers were marked WC on their rear between the horns. The tanks were numbered from right to left to aid the infantry who were ordered to follow them.  (W51Div)  

Photographs of E Battalion tanks after battle indicate they had their names written on their hulls just in front of the sponsons, they do not appear to have displayed their crew numbers. (see aftermath section below for Photograph references). 

2Lt Blencowe OIC of crew E6 on 20th September 1917.

Tank crew numbers from based on crew number of original tank on 20th September (i.e. ”Eclipse” was with crew E3 on 20th September so presumably “Eclipse II” is still with the same crew in November).

Orders

152nd Brigade was to attack and capture the first objective (Blue Line, far side of enemy’s front line system (W5o)) with the 1/8th Argylls on the left and the 1/5th Seaforths on the right (OH). 15 Company were to lead 1/8th Argylls and 13 Company the 1/5th Seaforths (W5o)

The tanks were to start from a pre-taped start line, roughly 1000 yards from the German front line (W1tbr)

WC Eyewitness, WC Escapade and the Haulage (supply) tank were designated as wire crushing tanks (W152b); they were to start five minutes prior to Zero, move 150 yds ahead of the first tank wave, create as many gaps in the wire as possible and deal with enemy MGs not located in the main enemy line [i.e. in the outpost line]. The supply tank was not to proceed beyond the wire in front of the enemy's first trench, [once the first wave passed the tank ? ] it was to turn back to Havrincourt Wood and collect its sledges. The other two wire crushers were to advance with the rest of the company (W5r)(W51Div) 

If a fighting tank failed to cross the start line it was to be replaced by a wire crusher (W152b)

Note: The Tank Brigade orders indicate the WC were to rally at K30C98, in the Grand Ravine with the wire crushers from D Battalion and form a reserve (W1tb). This was presumably superseded as the WC with E Battalion did join the fighting tanks of the first wave and advanced with the second wave tanks.

The nine tanks in the first wave were to be 100 yds ahead of the first infantry wave which was to consist of three platoons of infantry (W1.5 Sea) advancing in two lines about 10 to 15yds apart. (W1tbo). The four sections in each platoon were thus not allocated to a tank each 

The second wave of infantry was to advance 150 - 200yds behind the first wave, they were to advance in section columns 10 to 15 yds long and maintain this formation for as long as possible (W1tb)

The fighting tanks were to advance in line abreast roughly 45 yards apart, each three-tank section was to cover an infantry platoon front, roughly 135 yards. The centre tank in each section was to fly a blue and white flag. (W51Div)

The flank tanks in each section were to use their fascines to cross the first enemy trench if it was too wide to cross without them. The centre tank of each was to reserve its fascine for the second trench in the enemy system, crossing the front trench at either of the two crossing places created by the flank tanks. Wherever this tank crossed he first trench it would then proceed directly ahead and cross the second trench, using its fascine if necessary. (W51Div)

Both infantry assault battalions (1/8 Argyll and 1/5 Seaforth) following "E" Battalion's tanks advanced two section's directly behind the wire crushers to help clear the outpost line; the fighting tanks were followed by three platoons advancing abreast to capture the Hindenburg front line, three platoons then passed through and captured the Hindenburg support line (Blue Line); two platoons passed through to capture the grand ravine and finally four fresh platoons to capture the railway embankment support line. One company of infantry was held in reserve. The infantry advanced in short section rushes (infantry war diaries).

This agrees with the illustration in the Summary of Operations which shows eight tanks (6 fighting and 2 wire crushers) leading a single company with two infantry platoons alongside one another and two following in support (W1tb). The other sources which state that each infantry company was supported by 12 tanks (3 wire crushers and 9 fighting tanks) (W5a) are therefore incorrect.

Once the Blue line had been secured the Division was to pause 800yds beyond it (OH) whilst the adjacent Divisions advanced to capture Ribecourt and Havrincourt on either flank. 

The second objective (Brown line, the far side of Flesquieres) was to be captured by the second wave of infantry (1/6th Seaforths on the left, 1/6th Gordons on the right), each infantry battalion being led by six tanks from 14 Company and the survivors of 13 and 15 companies (W5a) (OH) (W51Div). The tanks were to advance 100 yds in front of the infantry (OH) The tanks in the second wave were to be employed on the same principle as the fighting tanks of the first wave but covering a wider front. (W51Div)

Note: It does not appear that any tanks were ordered to act as wire crushers before the Hindenburg Support line. This is a little surprising as the wire before this line was very deep. Though there must have been gaps in this wire to allow the Germans to move between the front and support system.

14 company was to exploit to capture any hostile guns in Orival Wood (L7) and to proceed as far as the sunken road from Graincourt to Marcoing (W5r) to the Third and Fourth objectives (W5r)

Finally the Company was to Rally at the Battalions R.P: K24d2.4) (W5r)

Zero was 6:20am (W1tb)

Account of Operations

On the night of 19/20th November the tanks left their lying up positions in Havrincourt wood and drove up to the pre-taped start line, roughly 1000 yards from the German front line (W1tbr)

WC Escapade broke down in Havrincourt wood and wasn't repaired until 5 pm (W5r)

First phase

WC Eyewitness and the supply tank set off five minutes before the other tanks and commenced their Wire Crushing duties the wire was well crushed, many gaps were made and the infantry were able to pass through without difficulty (W1tb). 

The supply tank returned to Havrincourt Wood to collect its sledges along with the other supply tank that had acted as a wire crusher with 15 Company. 

One of these tanks broke down in the wood with its big end gone (W5r), this was presumably 2Lt Austin's tank (15 Coy) as the battlegraph indicates 2Lt Clifford's (13 Coy) tank made it to the blue line then returned to the RP. (W21bg)

The nine fighting tanks all advanced at Zero and encountered very little resistance up to the first objective, though they fired upon parties of Germans retreating in the open and along trenches. (W21) 

E8 Extinguisher II and E4 Eradicator II both broke down in the German front line (w1Tbg) due to wire damage (W5r) 2Lt Llewellyn, E8 Extinguisher II's OIC, took command of another tank whose OIC had been wounded and fought with this tank until it was KO by a direct hit (H5)

Gibot and Gorczynski state [E8] Extinguisher II threw a track at the deepest point of the sunken road lead-gup to Flesquieres wood (S37.p70).

Towards the end of the advance one tank assisted Corporal Mc Beath when he won the VC taking a machine gun nest and battalion HQ on the eastern edge of Ribecourt (S44 p90) (OH p57), this may be E3 Explorer which would have been on the far right of the line. The battlegraph indicates it proceeded a mile beyond its objective [the Brown line] and the War History indicates it silenced and captured two field guns, then helped the 29th Division, assisting in the capture of three strongpoints (H5).

E6 Emblem broke down on the blue line (W21bg).

Second phase

The attack recommenced at 9.30am’ the second wave crossing the railway line about 9:30am and advancing up slope towards Flesquieres ridge (OH). 

The 6 Gordons War Diary states they advanced behind the expected 6 tanks, (W1.6Gord)   3 of these must have been from 13 Company as Earnest, Eliminator and Ella had all failed to reach the blue line, if 13 Company had used all their fascines then there would only have been three tanks with fascines in front of the 6 Gordons.

Assuming E3 Explorer was with 29th Division (see above) then the following six 13 company tanks should have advanced on the second objective with 14 company:

WC Eyewitness, E1 Eclipse II, E2 Earwig, E5 Exterminator, E7 Empire, E9 Exclusive II

The tanks were 100 yds ahead of the infantry when they advanced to the Second Objective (Brown Line) (W1tb)

The 6 Gordon's war Diary indicates they were 200 yards behind the tanks when the tanks crossed the ridgeline. (W1.6 Gord)

As the tanks crossed the skyline they were knocked out by direct fire from field guns that had survived the artillery bombardment (OH). The Infantry War Diary locates the German battery 500 yards away at L13d.7.2 and L14c.1.1.  (W1.6Gord). These were presumably the guns of Battery 8/108, in part manned by the famous Unterofficer Theodor Kruger who served the guns until shot down (S64 p73). 

E2 Earwig was hit and burnt out (W1tbg) the OIC was killed (CWG), this tank was close to Effie (14 Coy) (GWF see aftermath below for link) which was in in L19a. E9 Exclusive II was hit and knocked out. WC Eyewitness and E7 Empire were also both hit but rallied. (W1tbg)

The Infantry War Diary states the tanks were stopped before they entered the wire and thus the wire was not sufficiently crushed to allow the infantries advance (W1.6 Gord). Note this this is consistent with the aerial photograph taken on 19-12-17 which shows the thick belt of wire to the west of Station Avenue is still intact (W42.p84). This is contradicted by the presences of E23 Egbert II (14 Coy) close to the battery. It may also be contradicted by the account of E20 Effie’s and E2 Earwig's destruction in February that indicated they were close to a trench, this is presumably the Hindenburg support line, though it may be a trench dug later by the British, (see aftermath for reference).

Afternoon

Seven tanks that advanced into Flesquieres in the late afternoon. (H5) these may be E30 Eileen II, E29 Eve, E28 Edward II, E26 Ethel and E24 Esme II from 14 Company and E2 Eclipse and E5 Exterminator from 13 Company, all of which (except E28 Edward II) made the fourth objective before rallying according to the battlegaphs. (w1tbg)

E3 Explorer was probably with 29th Division (see above)

Summary

Intended: 12

Reserve: 0

At Start: 11

Started: 11

Engaged enemy: 11

Ditched / Broke Down: 3

Hit and Knocked out: 2

Rallied: 6

Rallied includes Eyewitness and Empire, both of which suffered direct hits prior to rallying.

Aftermath

Escapade, Eclipse II, Explorer, Exterminator and Eradicator II were all in action on the 23rd. (W21)

E2 Earwig was left in situ and destroyed by 248th field Company Royal Engineers on 25th February 1918. 'Tank Cemetery' - The Western Front - The Great War (1914-1918) Forum 

Sources

W5o - "E" Battalion Tank Corps Operational Order No.7 in PO WO 95 / 111

W5r - "E" Battalion Tank Corps. Report on Operations 20th November 1917 (dated 26/11/1917). PRO WO 95 / 111

W5a - E Battalion Tank Corps. Report on Operations on 20th September 1917. PRO WO 95 / 111

W5a - E Battalion Tank Corps. Report on Operations September 26th 1917. Download from PRO: WO-95-111-3 p10ff

W1tb - 1st Brigade Tank Corps Summary of Operations 20th to 23rd November in the 1st Tank Brigade War Diary. (Signed 9 December 1917). Download from PRO: WO-95-98-7 pg68ff

W1tbg - Battle-graphs attached to above Brigade report of Operations Download from PRO: WO-95-98-6 pg62ff

GWF - Great War forum - 'Tank Cemetery' - The Western Front - The Great War (1914-1918) Forum 

H5 – History of the 5th Tank battalion. Transcript from Bovington Tank Museum.

also available as Download from PRO: WO-95-111-2 p16ff (poor copy)

W51Div - 51 Division War Diary download from PRO: WO 95-2846-3_2 Pg 4

W152b - 152 Infantry Brigades War Diary download from PRO: WO-95-2863-2_1 p60ff

W1.6Gord - 1/6 Gordon Highlanders War Diary download from PRO: WO-95-2868-1_2 p86

OH – Official History, 1917, Vol 3, Pg.187, pg.56f.

S4 - Campbell, Christy (2007). Band of Brigands

S37 - Following the Tanks, Cambrai. (1999) Jean-Luc Gibot and Phillippe Gorczynski

S42 - Tanks and Trenches (1994) D Fletcher

S44 - Flesquieres, Cambrai (2003) Jack Horsfall and Nigel Cave

S64 - The German Army at Cambrai (2009) Jack Sheldon

S92 - VCs of the first world War, Cambrai 1917 (2004) Gerald Gliddon

NOTE

E Battalion’s War Diary. Transcription from Bovington Tank Museum (W5) does not contain the reports pertinent to this action.

Cambrai Start Positions. E Battalion 

13 Company 20 November 1917

14 Company 20 November 1917

15 Company 20 November 1917

1st Brigade 20 November 1917 Map

E / 5th Battalion List of narratives

Cambrai Narratives