10 Battalion 9 August 1918
Amiens, 9th August 1918
10th Battalion with 12th and 58th Divisions, III Corps
10th Battalion had 20 tanks in action on August 9th 1918 (see note below).
A Company
No 3 section Capt Henderson
J4, 2Lt Banteaur B crew 9
J7, 9334, m, 2Lt Walker GP crew 13
J9, 9342, m, 2Lt Carwood ES, crew 16
Capt Lambert with 4 tanks [?]
J5, 9262, Capt Lambert JJ, crew 11.
J14, 9264, 2Lt Jack W, Crew 5.
B Company
Captain Mackenzies section (3 tanks)
Capt Mackenzie
Lt Hunkin
Lt Cameron
J21, 9390, c, 2Lt Cyphus CE
J22, 9396, m, Lt McGuire JA
J24, 9059, m, 2Lt Jameson PD
C Company – Capt Ponsford WS
Left section
J41, 9265, m, 2Lt Oddy CG. Crew 13.
J44, m, 2Lt Creswell AEM. Crew 9.
J46, Capt Keynes MC. Crew 8.
Right section
J40, c, Lt Day DGB. Crew 2.
J45, m, Lt Biss G. Crew 7.
J48, 9366, c, Lt Carter CB. Comp crew.
Plus attached:
J13, c, Capt Murphy NR crew no 1
J17, 9020
Notes:
The total number of tanks is a little unclear. 19 are listed above. The total may have been 20 or 22.
16 BHS survive, and three otherwise unidentified tanks are mentioned going into action with Capt. Mackenzies section.
Background (OH 1918 Vol. IV Pg.106ff)
The 18th Division had failed to capture Gressiare Wood on the 8th. The 58th and 12th divisions were to attack and pass through the 18th Division which was then to withdraw.
58th Divisions orders in PRO WO 95-103 indicate that 131st US regiment (5 tanks) was to attack on the left of 58th brigade and a composite Brigade (175TH) (5 tanks) in the centre (9th, 12th Londons, 8th Londons (from 174th Brigade), 2/2nd Londons (from 173rd Brigade). Plus 2 or more 18th Div Bttns. (5 R berks, 8th Londons ??)), the right flank as to be protected by the weak 173rd and 174th Brigades. 174th Brigade (2 tanks: J4 and J7) less 8th Londons but with 10th Londons attached were to form a defensive flank across neck of spur, then clear Chipplily and Chipplily Spur. 173rd brigade, less 2/2. Londons were to form a line K35 central to K24c.7.5. overlooking the Somme (barrage Line to first objective).
The account of the action (OH, Amiens) indicates that 131st Regiment actually attacked in the centre and the composite (175th) Brigade on the right, the composite Brigade consisting of 8th and 12th Londons, supported by 5th Royal Berkshires, 9th Londons being in reserve. 2/2 Londons presumably reverting to 174 brigade.
The 12th division, with ten tanks (eight according to the report of operations) (6 from C company: J41, J44, J46, J40, J45, J48 and also J13 and J17 plus presumably J22 and J24) was to pinch out Morlancourt and then push on to the Old Amiens Defence line.
It was originally intended to attack at dawn but this was eventually delayed until 5.30pm.
Orders
58th Division – 12 tanks
174th Brigade - 2 tanks
Capt Lambert with 4 [/ sic] tanks – to take Blue Line Coy objective K17a.3.5 to K?? C 3.8 (unclear)
J5 - Start point k32b.8.5 to proceed along road east from Mallard Wood to k35c.3.9.
J14 - to follow J5 along road (unclear) Celestins Wood
131st US infantry Regt - 5 tanks
Captain Mackenzies section (3 tanks) (no BHS survive)
To attack high ground between Dernacourt and Morlancourt.
175th Brigade - 5 tanks
No 3 section (3 tanks) Capt Henderson Support 175th Brigade’s attack on Chipilly ridge. SP K3w2c8.5 at 3:15pm
J4 – with 58th Div, comp brig. To follow Bray Corbie road [unclear] on S side, [???] wood at K16d24
Thence NW through light railway system to objective. Cover infantries consolidation then rally.
J7 – with 58th Div, comp brig. To proceeded to SP at K27 central. And then along route due east until road at R29c.5.10 was reached. Then follow this road running South [?] of Gressaires Wood straight to objective.
J9 - to clear the MGs from the east side of Chipplily and to clear the gully running from the ??? village to Gressieres Wood.
J21– with 58th Div, comp brig. To proceed in front of infantry through Gressaire Wood and then cover consolidation.
12th Division – 8 tanks
35th Brigade
J22 with 9th Essex, to clear up enemy positions NE of Morlancourt.
J24 with 9th Essex, to proceed to K1a8.8 and protect left flank of the action, proceed along S Side of Ville-Sur Ancre, Meulte
J13 - to pass left side of Morlancourt and precede infantry to a line of trenches running through E27b and 28c, clear these then return to Rally point.
J17 with 9th Essex, was to advance from k16 NEE and take the strong position on the hill by the railways in K2 thence to k28c [E29c] to cover the infantries consolidation.
37th Brigade (OH)
J41, J44 and J46 to proceed to Blue line south of Morlancourt.
J40 and J45 - With 12th Division, to proceed in front of infantry and take the blue line. Start point K20a.1.1 at 5.30pm
J48 to advance with infantry between Morlancourt and Bray Corbie Road to 1st objective: East of brickyard in k16c
Account of operations
174th Brigade, 6th London (only 6 officers and 90 other ranks strong) attacked towards Chipilly at 4,15pm but was stopped by MG fire from Celestins Wood. 2 Companies of 2/10 London attacked out of Mallard wood but were initially stopped by MG fire. An Australian patrol was sent across the river and led the British into the village, where it was joined by Company K of the 131st regt. The Spur and village were thus cleared by 8pm.
173rd Brigade with 3rd, 2/4th and 2/2nd London attacked on time but were stopped by MG fire after 500yds when they started to descend towards the river. The advance resumed at 8pm when Chippily was cleared and the objective reached and taken at Bayonet point at 11pm.
The 131st US Regt doubled the last mile and arrived at the start point just in time. The 1/131 and 2/131 led with the 3/131 in support. On leaving Mallard Wood the Regt came under heavy fire from Gressaire Wood and the far side of the valley. The Americans pressed on regardless of casualties and, after being reinforced by a company of the 3/131 and the 7th Londons reached their objective about 8pm and then dug in.
175th Brigade attacked at 5.30pm, the 12th and 8th London in front the 5th / R Berkshire in support and the 9th London in reserve. By 8pm the 12th London was on its objective, the 9th London behind its right flank and in touch with the 131 regt. The 8th London was stopped 100 yds short of its objective. At 11.15pm orders were sent for strong patrols to be sent out to establish if it was possible to reach the Outer Amiens defense line, this was done and some more progress made.
12th Division
37th Brigade, 6th Buffs to advance South of Morlancourt, 6 Queens and 6 R West Kents north of the village. The 1/1 Cambridgeshires (attached) supported by 3 tanks, was to mop up. The attack was delayed from 5.30am to 4.30pm but the 6th Buffs did not get the order on time, successfully attacked at 5.30am and made good progress before being recalled. When the attack did finally go in at 5.30pm the lead battalion met fierce resistance and thus did not quite reach the outer Amiens defense line, the Royal West Kents did manage to establish themselves on the old Amiens defense Line.
A tank (presumably J46) was knocked out 15 minutes before zero when it accidentally showed itself, this possibly alerted the enemy and thus explains the stiff resistance. The Cambridgeshires attacked and cleared the village without the tanks which were late (presumably J22 and possibly J24, though these were attached to the 9th Essex according to their BHS).
Captain Mackenzies section (3 tanks) (no BHS survive)
To attack high ground between Dernacourt and Morlancourt.
Capt Mackenzie ditched on objective
Lt Hunkin ditched after passing German front line
Lt Cameron – 2 direct hits from British Barrage, carried out orders rallied.
J4 in action, fired 55 rounds 6 Pdr and 1500 rounds SAA. OIC and 3 crew wounded. Account of operations on Photograph of BHS too hard to read. Tank rallied.
J5 Crew 11. In action, fired 98 rounds 6 Pdr and 11000 rounds SAA. All crew wounded and tank burnt out by enemy bombs at K34b.40.70. Tank started from SP k32b.8.5, went along road running to Chippily thence to k35c.3.9. Patrolled up and down road for 5 hours engaging enemy MG. Turned to engage enemy MG in k34b.4.7 and blew it up. Top of tank was pierced by a bomb which killed the driver and set the tank afire. The rest of the crew were all wounded, evacuated but were captured, after two hours they managed to make prisoners of their guards and were eventually reached by Allied infantry.
J14 In action, fired 80 rounds 6 Pdr and 9500 rounds SAA. Followed J5, patrolled [?] Celestins Wood. Burnt out K34a.7.2 BHS almost illegible.
J7 in action, fired 100 rounds 6 Pdr and 1100 rounds SAA. OIC, 2Lt Walker KIA (CWG) and one crew member wounded. Account of operations on Photograph of BHS too hard to read. Tank rallied.
J9 In action, fired 145 rounds 6 Pdr and 3000 rounds SAA. Started form k32b.3.3 proceeded along the Somme River to Chippily then up the gulley running to Gresieres Wood. Inflicted heavy casualties on enemy on either side of gully, returned and knocked three MG in Chippily en-route. BHS hard to read.
J13 Crew 1. in action 2 ½ hours, fired 30 / 40 rounds 6 Pdr and 1000 / 1500 rounds SAA. Tank crossed start line at 5 pm, but was stopped and re crossed at 5.30pm, being fired on whilst waiting. After passing to the left of Morlancourt a tank was noticed overturned in a trench [J17]; J13 turned towards Dernancourt and the Ancre Valley from which heavy fire was emanating. The tank proceeded along the railway lines at the top of the Ancre Valley silencing MG nests and firing the Left sponsons 6 Pdr into targets in the Valley. The infantry followed the tank, which turned back once to silence an MG and TM nest which it had failed to notice. Tank passed an abandoned enemy post at E27b.4.9. and passed blue line and unintentionally through British Barrage. Crew affected by petrol fumes and bullet splash. Tank penetrated by AT bullets.
J21 in action 1 hour, fired 6 Pdr; 40 rounds common shell and 15 rounds case shot, and 2040 rounds SAA. The tank started on time and, despite the clutch slipping, went to the left of Malard Wood and proceeded towards Gressiare Wood. The tank ditched in a shell hole at the near corner of the wood, I22b.8.1 [K22b meant] and was surrounded by the enemy. The enemy were engaged with the right hand male sponson’s 6 pdr and the front Hotchkiss; but the rear and left hand female sponson’s Hotchkiss all jammed and the enemy were kept at bay with revolvers. Once the infantry established themselves in front of the tank the crew withdrew. The tank was recovered on the 10th.
J17 in action 1 ½ hours, fired 10 rounds 6 Pdr and 40 rounds SAA. K2b.3.8. Tank was shelled heavily from k7d until it crossed the British front line at k1b6.0. then moved to k2b6.6. and ascended the slope to the quarry which was passed on the left. Tank was fired on by Mgs in e26c.8.8 and silenced same with 6pdr fire, engaging the retreating crews with Hotchkiss fire. Thus infantry on right were able to advance and tank led them up the slope, silencing an enemy strongpoint at k2b5.5. then the tank fell over sideways and ditched at k2b.3.8. the crew all escaped.
J22 in action 2 ½ hours, fired 70 rounds 6 Pdr and 1600 rounds SAA. Entered Morlancourt ahead of infantry and stayed in village for 2 hours silencing MGs, one mortar and fired on a field gun battery.
J24 handwriting on BHS virtually illegible, in action 1 ½ hours, fired 110 rounds 6 Pdr and 650 rounds SAA. Silenced enemy MGs in strongpoint at E21 (??) central. Thus enabling infantries advance. Right Sponson hit by Field gun, this hit blew off the sponson door and wounded four crew members, two seriously, two slightly.
J40 Attacked, in action 3 ½ hours, fired 90 rounds ball, 30 Case shot and 1500 rounds SAA. Pierced by bullets. Broke down and reached start point 10 minutes late. Crossed main road at K21a.3.7, was fired on by enemy Mgs and silenced same. Proceeded towards objective, noticed infantry on right held up by strong point which was blown up with twelve 6 Pdr rounds. Met J45 at k15d and both tanks proceeded forward together silencing enemy MGs some at request of OIC A Coy 6th Buffs.
J45 Crew 7. Attacked, in action 3 ½ hours, fired 50 rounds 6 pdr and 400 rounds SAA. Caught up infantry, met J40 and silenced MGs.
J41 Attacked, in action 3 hours, fired 70 rounds 6 Pdr and 1600 rounds SAA. Noticed infantry held up on left by MG fire from Morlancourt as tanks to left had been knocked out. Tank turned and attacked Morlancourt from the South and East, silencing Mgs and infantry in the village and causing 200 enemies to surrender, silencing 3 MGs and a battery of trench mortars. Then proceeded to help infantry mop up until dusk when tank rallied.
J44 in action 2 ½ hours, fired 80 rounds 6 Pdr and 1800 rounds SAA. Started on time and engaged enemy 10 minutes later. Tank cleared an enemy strongpoint containing 10 MGs and 4 Trench Mortars, but 6 pdr and 2 Hotchkiss were put out of action and thus tank rallied.
Photographed at some point: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205245040
J46 Was not notified of the change in Zero hour so started at 5pm. After 10 minutes was hit twice at k8c.2.2 and set afire, one crew member was burned, fire was extinguished but tank hit 4 more times and burnt out.
J48 Attacked, in action 3 hours, fired 3 rounds 6 Pdr and 400 rounds SAA. Pierced by AP bullets; autovac damaged, 3 crew wounded, 1 remained at duty. Crossed main road at k20b.3.9, turned East and caught up infantry and followed barrage. Fired 3 rounds case shot at enemy Mgs but 6 pdr broke and then both gunners were wounded. Tank went onwards firing on enemy with Mgs and revolvers. At k15d.6.8 noticed Autovac had been pierced so returned and rallied.
Summary
Total Tanks: 19
Failed to Start:
Engaged enemy: 15
Ditched / Broke Down: 4
Hit and Knocked out: 3
Rallied: 12
Note:
Summary includes Capt Mackenzies section.
According to the OH 22 tanks were to be committed, the exact total is unclear.
At least three tanks were damaged - Lt Cameron's, J24 and J48
The CWG indicates 2Lt Weights also died on this date, this is incorrect, he was killed whilst in command of J30 on the 8th.
Aftermath
9262 possibly photographed knocked out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drakegoodman/8383342352/in/set-72157625639179301/
C company: J40, J41 and J46 fit for further action, joined by J37 and J39 (also fit) at rally point. (w10c)
J21 was recovered on the 10th.
Sources
Battle History Sheets in PRO WO 95-103
Company Commanders account of operations in PRO WO 95-103
S45 – Amiens (2007) James Mc Willaims and R James Steel
S33 – Amiens 1918 (2008) Alistair McCluskey
S65 - The Day we Won the War (2008) Charles Messenger
OH - Official History, 1918, Volume IV Chapter V