15company21-23september1917-2tanks
15 Company, E Battalion, with, 10th Rifle Brigade, 59th Brigade, 20th Division, XIV Corp, 5th Army (W5a)
15 Company 21 - 23 September 1917 - 2 tanks
The Tanks at 3rd Ypres. 21st – 23rd September 1917
15 Company had 2 tanks in action on 21st to 23rd September 1917. (W21)
E43, 2587, “Eldorado”, 2Lt Bayliss. (W5a)
E42, 2595, “Exquisite”, 2Lt Wilson (W5a)
Orders
These two tanks were detailed to operate with one tank from D Battalion, the later broke down on the way up. (W21)
The 20th Division, with tank support was to capture Eagle Trench. (OH)
Account of Operations
Both “E” Battalion Tanks tanks ditched by Langemarck church at V22d10.20 (W5a).
A vague and seemingly inaccurate account of “Eldorado’s” action is given by the tank’s driver, Pte Valentine Field in S41.p39ff.
As the tanks had not arrived the operation was cancelled and the infantry did not attack. (OH)
Summary
The official history implies none of the tanks made the start point.
Aftermath
“Eldorado” was photographed still abandoned and derelict at Langemark after the war (X41.p39)
IWM 17849: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205252368
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7700258@N05/4100142743/in/set-72157601074582281/
Pte. Field states the tank was abandoned and a new tank issued to the crew which was christened Eldorado II, it was “Eldorado II” that fought at Cambrai with “G” battalion as G66, not “Eldorado” as indicated on the relevant Battlegraph(S41.p39ff) (W21).
The Cambrai Battlegraph also indicates “Exquisite” was in action at Cambrai, though whether this is the original or a replacement tank is unknown. (W21)
Sources
W21 – 1st Tank brigade War Diary – Relevant reports and battlegraphs.
W5a – Appendix to War diary of 5th / E Tank Battalion held in PRO WO 95 / 111
S41 - Richard Pullen (2008) Beyond the Green Fields
OH – Official History, 1917, Vol 2, Pg.278
3rd Ypres Narratives - By date
3rd Ypres narratives - By Unit