4 Battalion. "A" Company. 29 September 1918
4 Battalion. "A" Company. 29 September 1918
St Quentin, 29th September 1918
A Company, 4th Battalion with 27th US Division, III Corps
A Company had 6 tanks in action on 29th September 1918.
9109, m, 2Lt Baigent HC
9448, f, Lt Briscoe WG
9066, m, 2Lt McNab, George
9326, 2Lt Gill, GA
9116, m, 2Lt Boulton S, Crew 4
9190, m, 2Lt Steane
Note
1. Both “A” and “B” Companies had Wireless tanks attached on 29th September. One may be the same vehicle that was with the battalion on 8th August.
2. “A” Company was also allocated a baggage tank, 6099, but this is not mentioned in the reports for 29th September.
3. 9182 and 9096 were also with the company according to the Summary of Tanks on Strength.
4. Crew of 9116 from BHS.
Orders
Whilst the 27th US Division had reached all its objectives on the 27th September it had failed to mop up properly and significant numbers of Germans were still holed up in pockets behind the new front line. The Attack on the 29th thus had to begin 1000yds back from the start line in this sector; as the presence of allied troops made it impossible to safely use artillery to help the infantry subdue these pockets it was decided to use tanks. “A” company, 4th Battalion (6 tanks) was thus allocated, it was not to proceed past the line of the final objective of the 27th attack; care was also to be taken not to accidentally engage the American troops, including the tanks of the 301st Battalion, who would be moving forward for the main attack. The tanks were split into 3 pairs, each pair to roam across the area covered by a four tank section on the 27th. (W4a)
9109 and 9448 to follow behind infantry and tank to Guillimont Farm and clear any remaining enemy from on the way to and therein (BHS)
9326 and 9066 with Corps Reserve. To follow behind infantry and tanks to Knoll and clear any remaining enemy from therein. Rallying point f22 (BHS)
9190 and 9116 to follow behind infantry and tanks to Quennimont Farm and clear any remaining enemy from therein (BHS)
Zero 5:50, start 5:35 (BHS)
Account of operations
Overview
All six tanks started ten minutes before zero (5.20am) but one (9448 (BHS)) was knocked out when it ran into the British minefield soon after starting. No enemy were encountered at Quennemont Farm or the Knoll; there was some opposition at Gillemont Farm where 9109 silenced 2 MGs. 9326 suffered a direct hit on the Sponson door. Whilst returning 3 more tanks struck mines and were knocked out, 9109, 9116 and, probably 9190. Three officers and fifteen other ranks were wounded and two other ranks were killed. (W4a) WD numbers from BHS
Detailed accounts from BHS
9109 followed orders, patrolled around Guillimont Farm, fired on by enemy MGs, two of which were silenced by tank. On returning blown up by mine at F17d.55.60; one track broken, large hole in bottom plate of tank. In action two hours, drove two and a half miles fired forty rounds SAA. One man killed, two wounded, three concussed, all bruised. (BHS)
9448 followed orders, ran over mine at F17d.5.6. Sgt Dean T killed, Pvt Jackson F and Wilson F wounded. In action forty five minutes, drove one mile, did not fire. (BHS)
9326 followed attack to Knoll, no enemy encountered, did not fire. Right Sponson door smashed by shell whilst returning to RP. Tank rallied. (BHS)
9066 carried out orders, driver injured by shell splinters from shell which exploded between horns. Tank rallied at F22d. In action one and a half hours, travelled three and a half miles. (BHS)
9190 started towards front line but ran into enemy fire directed at an 18Pdr battery which was hidden in the mist. Tank KO F23c.7.9 on the wire near Bellicourt road, all crew burnt or wounded, tank burnt out, both tracks broken, big holes in floor on both sides. Narrative written by 2Lt Boulten (BHS) As indicated in the Report on Action, and suggested by the damage the tank took, this tank probably ran over a mine and was destroyed.
9116 Initially had to turn twice to avoid 18Pdr batteries and the barrage being fired on them (see 9190 above) the it followed orders, crossed the front line at Benjamin Post. KO by mine whilst returning, crossing wire at F23c.7.9. Right track broken, large hole in bottom of tank behind drivers seat. One man seriously wounded, four slightly wounded, all bruised. In action, two hours drove three and a half miles, didn’t fire. (BHS)
Summary
Total Tanks: 6
Failed to Start: 0
Engaged enemy: 5
Ditched / Broke Down:
Hit and Knocked out: 4
Rallied: 2
Note: One of the rallied tanks, 9326 had been hit on the sponson door.
Aftermath
9066 and 9326 in action with 4th Battalion on 5th October.
9109, 9190 and 9448 handed to salvage on 30th September.
9116 handed to salvage on 29th September, in Latvia in 1919.
Sources
W4a - Summary of Tanks on Strength – September 1918 - PRO WO 95-110
4th Tank Battalion. Operations order No 25. - PRO WO 95-110
4th Tank Battalion. Report upon action of 6 tanks of “A” Company with 27th American Division. September 27th 1918 - PRO WO 95-110
WMH - Henshell Papers, IWM 73 / 126 / 1
BHS – Relevant Tank Battle History sheets held in Henshall Papers IWM 73 / 126 / 1
H4 – History of the 4th Tank Battalion, transcript from Bovington Tank Museum