7 Battalion 27 September 1918

Battle of the Canal du Nord. 27^th September 1918

7^th Battalion with 1^st and 4^th Divisions, Canadian Corp, 1st Army ^{(H7) (OH)}

7^th Battalion had 16 MKIV tanks in action on 27^th September 1918 ^(H7)

A Company – Maj Merrian LPB MC

8 tanks

“GoodLuck”

G11, 2365, “Glamorgan “, m

6039

2893

C Company – Capt Kessell CE

Section – Capt Coutts HG MC

4 tanks

Section – Capt Collins LG

4 tanks

2785

8101

2757

Supply tanks – 1 GC supply company – Capt Derenburg

2 tanks

Notes:

B Company were in reserve with the 3^rd Canadian Division. ^(H7)

Tank number 4 (see narrative) may be 2604. The tank photographed in x8.p21 appears to have the name “... sader” on its front glacis, according to an online crossword solver the only English name that has these letters at the end is “Crusader”, it is possible that this tank was therefore “Crusader II”, 2604 which fought at Cambrai. Or it may be the original “Crusader”, 2060, which fought at Ypres.

“Goodluck” was photographed in the canal du Nord after the battle

IWM Q 9380: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205245136

x67.p111, the caption indicates this tank was with “A” company.

“Glamorgan’s” inclusion is based on photograph of the tank with Canadian soldiers: CWM 19930012-528, X5,p61. The tank’s’ crew number is given as GII, with the II inside the G, so it may be G2 or G11, the author thinks the latter more likely; either crew number would be appropriate for “A” company.

6039, 2893, 2785, 8101, 2757 fought with A and C Companies on 30^th September, they may not have been with the above companies on the above date.

Orders

A Company with 4^th Canadian Division to attack E8c, E14a ^(W7) Bourlon village and the high ground North East of Bourlon wood. ^(H7) The tanks to advance withthe infantry but to be considered auxiliary ^(W46can) One section to start at zero and accompany the infantry of the 10^th CIF Brigade as far as the red line; ^(W7) on the right ^(W50can) 2 tanks to accompany the 44th CIF Battalion to their objective, the sunken road in E9d and E15b two tanks to accompany the 47^th CIF Battalion who were to leapfrog the 44^th on the sunken road, collect the other two tanks and advance to the Red line. On the left the 46^th CIF Battalion was to lead the attack, accompanied by 4 tanks ^(W46Can) and be leapfrogged by the 50^th CIF Battalion ^(W50can) At the red line surviving tanks to continue to advance with the 11^th CIF Brigade to the Green Line ^(W47can).The second section to start at Zero + 20 mins to support the 12^th CIF Brigade’s attack on the Green Line. ^(W7) 38th CIF Battalion on the left, 85th CIF Battalion on the right. 72^nd Battalion following the 38^th and leapfrogging them on the Green line ^{( W38can)} The 11th CIF Brigade was to secure Bourlon wood, the War history doesn’t mention it being allocated tank support. ^{(OH) (H7)} The 102nd CIF Battalions was to lead followed by the, 87th, 54th and 75th CIF Battalions in that order. 54^th to work round the North of Bourlon Wood and take the Blue line, whilst the 0102^nd and 87^th Took the left and right of Bourlon Wood respectively ^(W54can)

10^th CIF Brigade: 44^th (Winnipeg, New Brunswick); 46^th (Regina and Mossejaw, South Saskatchewan); 47^th (British Columbia, Western Ontario); 50^th (Calgary) ^{(s15.p27) (S33.p24)}

11^th CIF Brigade: 54^th (Central Ontario, Kootenays); 75^th (Mississauga, The Jolly 75); 87^th (Canadian Grenadier Guards, Montreal); 102^nd (Central Ontario, Northern British Columbia, the Pea soupers). ^{(s15.p27) (S33.p24)}

12^th CIF Brigade: 38^th (Ottowa); 72^nd (Seaforth Highlanders, Vancouver); 78^th (Winnipeg Grenadiers): 85^th (Novia Scotia Highlanders). ^{(s15.p27) (S33.p24)}

C Company with 1^st Canadian Division to operate from Inchy to the high ground North East of Bourlon village. ^(H7) If possible 8 of 7^th Tank Battalion’s tanks were to cross the canal and crush the wire on the far side across the divisional front. The tanks may accompany the assaulting waves but were not to be relied upon ^(W15can) Capt Coutts section with the 1st CIF Brigade, Lt Collins section with the 3^rd CIF Brigade ^{(W7) (OH)} 4th CIF Battalion to capture the Red line, 1st CIF Battalion to pass through here and capture the green Line ^(W1can) 2^nd and 3^rd CIF Battalions then to pass through here and continue the advance, 3^rd on the left, 2^nd on the right ^{(W2can) (W3can)}. 14^th CIF Battalion to attack, followed by the 13^th and 15^th CIF Battalions, the 6^th CIF to remain in reserve. ^(W16can)

1^st CIF Brigade: 1^st (Western Ontario); 2^nd (Eastern Ontario); 3^rd (Royal Regt of Canada, Toronto); 4^th (Central Ontario) ^{(s15.p27) (S33.p24)}

2^nd CIF Brigade: 5^th (Saskatchewan, Western Cavalry); 7^th (1^st British Columbia); 8^th (90^th Rifles, Winnipeg, the Little Black Devils); 10^th (Canadian, Calgary) ^{(s15.p27) (S33.p24)}

3^rd CIF Brigade: 13^th (5^th Royal highlanders, Ontario); 14^th (The Montreal Regiment); 15^th (48^th highlanders, Toronto); 16^th (Canadian Scottish, Vancouver Island) ^{(s15.p27) (S33.p24)}

Lying up and starting point d15a9.9. Zero hour 5:20am ^(W7)

All tanks were fitted with Cribs on the 20^th August ^(W7)

Smoke dispensers were fitted to the exhausts of tanks ^(W7)

Account of Operations

“A” company attacked in two waves, the four tanks of the first wave all crossed the dry bed of the canal ^(H7) south of Lock 4 with the infantry ^(W7) they then crushed the wire on the far side of the canal and patrolled along the enemy’s trenches doing good work with their MGs. Then they led the infantry to the second (red) line ^(H7). The Red line was gained by 7:15am. ^(W47can) The tanks proving to be of great assistance and smoothing (sic) away several difficulties ^(W50can) 5 tanks were reported in action east of Quarry wood, and one tank was crossing the canal at 7:15am. By 7:20am the Canadians were advancing in front of the tanks. ^(W47can)

The 44^th CIF and 46^th battalions’ narratives in the respective war diary’s make no mention of tanks. ^{(W44can) (W46can)} Number 6 tank ^(W7) broke down on the Red line and was delayed for an hour and eventually entered Bourlon village after the infantry had captured it. The other tank (number 5) entered Bourlon village, meeting little opposition, then silenced some MGs in the railway embankment on the far side of the village. The other two tanks (7 and 8) led the infantry through Quarry wood to the second objective (red line); one tank (number 7) broke down ^(H7) and rallied later ^(W7). The other tank (number 8) went towards Bourlon village but had to return as it overran the British artillery barrage. Once the barrage had lifted the tank went to the north of the village and dealt with enemy in a trench there. ^(H7)

One second wave tank (number 2) broke down and failed to cross the canal, the second tank (number 4, female) hit a mine in the cutting at E15a.1.0 which blew a hole in the bottom of the tank and broke the track in three places. The tank was blocking the crossing so it was towed clear by a 15^th battalion tank. ^(W7) Either O24 “Orpheus II” or O40 “Ot Stuff” from 7th Section^{. (W15)} The Mk IV was possibly photographed later: x42.p199, x8.p21.

The other two tanks (1 and 3) crossed the canal south of lock 4 ^(W7) and led the infantry to the second (Red) line, crushing wire and firing on enemy MGs en-route. ^(H7) Both tanks then headed for Bourlon village where number 1 tank cruised up and down and deployed a smoke screen which drifted all over the village. The tank then went down the main street of the village, crushing wire obstacles and firing its MGs. Number 3 tank silenced MG fire coming from trenches running from west of the village to the north; both tanks rallied. ^(W7) The Canadians secured the second objective without too much trouble and advanced onwards to the third. ^(OH)

The 72^nd CIF Battalion’s narrative states tanks were in action but not with the 72^{nd (W72can) (W75can) (W87can) (W102can)}

The 85^th CIF Battalion’s narrative states 3 tanks advanced ahead of the battalion. The tanks led the infantry forward during a lull in the British Barrage, this then resumed and inflicted casualties on the infantry, the tanks turned back through the barrage and led the infantry once more. Thwe tanks were praised for their effectiveness and for returning to collect the infantry; all three tanks were commanded by NCO’s ^(W85can)

The 38^th and 78^thCIF Battalions’ narratives and 38^th CIF Battalion’s orders in the respective war diaries make no mention of tanks. ^{(W38can) (W78can)}

The 54^th, 75^th, 87^th, 102^nd CIF Battalions’ narratives and 87^th and 102^nd CIF Battalion’s orders in the respective war diaries make no mention of tanks. ^{(W54can)(W75can) (W87can) (W102can)}

“C” company also attacked in two waves ^(H7). All the tanks started at zero. ^(W7)

Lt Collins section crossed the canal at E26x.9.8. The two tanks in the first wave crushed a heavy belt of wire in E1b and made a path for the infantry engaging MGs whilst doing so. The tanks then proceeded along a line of trenches to the red line in W28a, clearing out the enemy en route. They waited for the barrage to lift then went to the green line in W16b and W16c, firing on the enemy en route. The tanks covered the infantry’s consolidation and then rallied. ^(W7)

The two second wave tanks crossed the canal and led the infantry into the village of Sains-les-Marquions firing on the retreating enemy. They encountered little opposition and returned to the rallying point after the infantry had consolidated the village. ^(W7) The official history states 4 tanks helped subdue the village, but for some unexplained reason they failed to advance to the second objective and the infantry on the left of the advance were partially held up by a thick belt of wire and fire from Marquion village. ^(OH)

Capt Coutts first wave crossed the canal at E2d.1.0, caught up the infantry at the wire which was crushed thus enabling the infantry’s advance. The tanks then proceeded to the sunken road firing on the enemy; both (female) tanks were hit and burnt out at W28ad.9.8. ^(W7) on the first objective ^(OH)

The two second wave tanks crossed the canal and went to the wire in E9a, then followed the light railway and went to Deligny Mill mopping up numerous MG nests. One (female) tank was hit and knocked out at E4b.9.3. ^(W7)

The 1^st and 2^nd CIF Battalions’ narratives in the respective war diaries make no mention of tanks. ^{(W1can) (W2can)}

The 3^rd CIF Battalion’s narrative simply says nothing to report in regard to tanks are not otherwise mentioned in the War Diary ^(W3can)

The 4^th CIF Battalion’s orders state 4 tanks were to attack with 1^st CIF Brigade, tanks are not otherwise mentioned in the War Diary ^(W4can)

The 13^th CIF Battalions’ war diaries entry states their “D” company were held up by a thick belt of wire before Marquion, the 4 supporting tanks caught up this point but refused to help the infantry and headed off towards Sains the tanks had turned toward Sains The infantry ;lost many men cutting the wire by hand. ^(W13can)

The 14^th CIF Battalions’ narrative states the tanks were generally very helpful, especially the tone that went though Sains Lez Marquion; the relevant company commander from the 14^th CIF Battalion riding atop the tanks roof and directing its fire ^(W14can)

The 15^th CIF Battalions’ narrative cannot be found by the author (very extensive appendixes, not searched thoroughly) ^(W15can)

The 16^th CIF Battalion was not in action on the morning of the 27^{th (W16can)}

The surviving tanks proceeded to the Green Line and covered the infantries consolidation before rallying ^(W7)

A wireless, runners, DRs, pigeons and aeroplane drop messages were all used to communicate, the wireless was unreliable and often broke down. ^(W7)

The supply tanks did good work ^(W7)

The smoke dispensers were unarmoured and when penetrated their contents could drip into the tank and seriously inconvenience the crew. ^(W7)

Summary

Total Tanks: 16

Failed to Start: 1

Engaged enemy:

Ditched / Broke Down: 2

Hit and Knocked out: 4

Rallied: 9

Note:

Hit and knocked out includes the tank that ran over the land mine.

Failed to start is the tank that failed to cross the canal.

Rallied doesn’t include the tank that failed to start.

Aftermath

Some of the tanks were photographed in the dry bed of Canal Du Nord:

IWM Q 9380: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205245136

X42.p197, x11.p152, x67.p111

7^th Battalion was next in action on the 28^th September 1918

Sources

H7 – 7^th Battalion’s War History. Transcription from Bovington Tank Museum

W7– 7^th Battalion’s War Diary - Report on operations 27^th September 1918 - Transcription from Bovington Tank Museum

OH – Official History 1918 Vol V. Pg.19f

W1– 1st Battalion’s War Diary. Transcription from Bovington Tank Museum

W1a – HQ 4^th Tank Brigade. Report on operations on 8^th, 9^th and 10^th August 1918 in PRO WO 95 / 109

W24 – 4^th Tank Brigade War Diary. Appendix 14. 4^th tank brigade report on operations August 8^th to 11^th 1918. PRO WO 95 / 108

W1can – War Diary of the 1^st Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W2can – War Diary of the 2^nd Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W3can – War Diary of the 3^rd Canadian Battalion– available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W4can – War Diary of the 4^th Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W13can – War Diary of the 13^th Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W14can – War Diary of the 14^th Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W15can – War Diary of the 15^th Canadian Battalion– available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W16can – War Diary of the 16^th Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W38can – War Diary of the 38^th Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W44can – War Diary of the 44^th Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W46can – War Diary of the 46^th Canadian Battalion– available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W47can – War Diary of the 47^th Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W50can – War Diary of the 50^th Canadian Battalion– available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W54can – War Diary of the 54^th Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W72can – War Diary of the 72^nd Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W75can – War Diary of the 75^th Canadian Battalion– available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W78can – War Diary of the 78^th Canadian Battalion– available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W85can – War Diary of the 85^th Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W87can – War Diary of the 87^th Canadian Battalion – available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

W102can – War Diary of the 102^nd Canadian Battalion– available online: http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/warDiaryLac/wdLacP08.asp

Canal Du Nord - 27 September to 1 October 1918