15 Battalion C Company 27 September 1918
The Battle of the Canal du Nord. 27th September 1918
15th Battalion, “C” Company with 3rd and Guards Divisions, VI Corp, 3rd Army
15th Battalion, “C” Company had 7 tanks in action on 27th September 1918
C Company – Maj Skeggs RC
Right Section. Section Commander Captain McKersie
O44, “Old nick”, Sgt Richardson
O47, “Orissa”, Cpl England
O54, 9834, "Orient", 2Lt Tolmie
Left Section. Section Commander Captain Mansfield MJ
O56, “Orestes”, 2Lt Riddell
O57, “Orchid”, 2Lt McDougall
O58, “Oribi”, Sgt Whatley
O59, “Othello”, Cpl Shambrook
Notes
Serial numbers from 8 Aug 1918 Battlegraph in Brigade War Diary
All other information from Battalion War Diary.
Orders
“A” company to start form Havrincourt village. “A” and “C” companies, less one section of “C” company, were to support the 8th and 76th brigades attack on the Hindenburg Support line and Flesquires. The detached section of “C” Company were to assist the 2nd Guards Brigade taking the red and then the brown line, 2 tanks were to be retained by the Guards to deal with the northern part of Flesquires. Once these objectives were secured “C” Company (including the detached section) were to support the 1st Grenadier Guards attack Premy Chapel.
Start time was 4.55am
Account of Operations
Right Section.
O44 ditched prior to crossing the German front line. It was unditched and rallied. O47 was hit and then developed mechanical trouble just after crossing the first objective (only mechanical trouble on the battlegraph). It also rallied. O54 reached the Brown line with the 1st Gordons having silenced numerous MGs en route, several by running over and crushing them. The tank was hit and burnt out at this point. 2Lt Tolmie, the OIC was awarded the MC.
Left Section
The Section commander (2Lt Mansfield) (CWG)) was killed before he could liaise with the Infantry’s OIC. The Section proceeded to Northern Flesquires and assisted the 1st Gordons, 1st Division, in capturing it. The 1st Grenadier Guards arrived and the tanks moved to the North of the village in order to support their attack towards Premy chapel. The tanks now crossed the open ground with the infantry and greatly assisted them; engaging MGs and field Guns in Orival Wood and firing on the enemy in Silver Street and Beet Root Factory. O56, O57 and O59 were all knocked out by direct fire from the battery in Orival Wood. O58 rallied.
Summary
Total Tanks: 7
Failed to Start:
Engaged enemy: 5
Ditched / Broke Down: 2
Hit and Knocked out: 4
Rallied: 1
Rallied doesn’t include O44 and O47
Aftermath
This was 15th battalions last action.
Sources
Tank Names and Crew numbers from Battalion War Diary.
Other information from Battlegraph in Brigade War Diary
W15a - 15th Battalion War Diary Appendices, relevant reports and battlegraphs – PRO WO 95-103
Canal Du Nord - 27 September to 1 October 1918