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Battle of the Sambre, 4th November 1918
14th Battalion with 53rd and 54th Brigades, 18th Division, XIII Corp, 4th Army
14th battalion, A and B Companies intended to get 10 tanks into action on 4th November 1918
A Company – Major Raikes DT
1 section – OIC Lt Lockwood CM
N1, 9557, 2Lt Robinson R
9590, 2Lt White W
9877, c, 2Lt Ormsby DW
3 section – OIC Lt Sinclair GAH
9093, 2Lt Dickenson J
9185, 2Lt Chittenden P
9267, c, Lt Gillies DJ
B Company – Captain Lorraine LC
9896, c, 2Lt Borrow JT
9196, c, 2Lt Hayes HA
2Lt Blaker HR
2Lt Isaacs HI
Supply, wireless and signal tanks
See 2 Tank Supply Company narrative for details.
Notes
N1 battalion letter from 2RWf account, it reads NI so presumably the second letter is a 1 ? (W2RWF)
9196 serial number from 11 London War Diary (W11Lon. p106) note the Infantry only give the tanks serial number and the tank records only give the OIC so it is possible the 11th were supported by a different OIC.
9896 serial number form War History (H14t p62)
On 31st October A Company had 8 tanks (and a Renault ) and B Company had 7 tanks,.(W14).
Some tanks may not have been carrying un-ditching beams (H4)
On 23rd November the battalion handed the following six tanks to 4th tank brigade:
Mk V* males 9586, 9520, 9597, 9606
MkV* composite 9877
Mk V composite 9150
Of these tanks only 9877 was in action on the 4th, the other five tanks are either some or all of the four tanks listed with B company above or some or all of the nine thanks that were not in action.
Orders
A Company with 53rd infantry Brigade, 18th Division.
1 and 3 sections were to operate with 53rd and 54th Brigades, one section per brigade.
All six tanks with the 53rd Brigade according to the Brigade's War Diary. (W53b)
Assembly points : F11d8.7 and F12d.1.8 (W53b)
Starting point was F12c.2.8.
1 section started at 06:03 to cross Infantry jumping off line at Zero (06:15)
3 section started at 06:35
B Company with 54th Infantry Brigade. 18th Division.
Starting point F17b.7.2, start time Zero minus 12 (06:03 am); deployment point was 100 yds east of the sunken road in A15b
18 Division's plan of Attack
18 Infantry Division was to attack eastwards. 54 Brigade and the & RWK form 53 brigade were to advance to the first objective, the blue Line and liberate the villages of Hecq and Preux aux Bois. Once these were secure the other two battalions of 53 Brigade would advance east into the Forest of Mormal to the Red Line. Finally 55 Brigade was to advance and secure the Green Line. 14 Tank Battalion’s A and B Companies were to support the attack to the Red line, 55 brigades attack to the Green Line was not supported by tanks.
Zero was 06.15.
53 Infantry Brigade was to secure the village of Hecq on the left of the Divisional front and then capture the area between the Blue and Red Lines.
The 7th Royal West Kent were to advance from the start line at Zero, capture the village of Hecq and the ground to the Blue Line, they were to be supported by the three tanks from 1 section, A company 14 tank battalion (W53b). One tank was to work north of the road running through squares A8a and A8b and then east of the main street of Hecq in A8b. A second tank was to work on a general route A7c.3.7 to A8a.3.3 to A8d.4.9 to A9c.3.4 and the third tank on the general line A7c.5.1 to A8c.9.3 to A8a.3.3. to A8a.6.2 to A8d.2.0 - A9.c.2.4 (H14).
Once the 7 RWK and 54 Brigade had secured the Blue Line The other two battalions of 53 Brigade would pass through them, form up on the Blue Line and advance in the second phase of the attack to secure the area between the Blue and Red Lines. 8th Berkshires on the left and 10th Essex on the right. (W53b) see below.
54 Infantry Brigade was to secure the village of Preux aux Bois and mop up the area to the Blue line between Mon fre d'Hecq and Preux aux Bois. To avoid a frontal attack the village of Preaux was to be outflanked and attacked from the north. Four tanks from B Company 14 tank battalion were to support this attack
The 6 Northants on the left were to advance north of the village, directly east to the Blue line (W54b) and and the orchards in squares A14a and b and A15a (W2Bed). They were to be supported by the three tanks from 3 section, A company 14 tank battalion until the first objective in A15b was secured (H14)(W53b).
Once the 6 Northants had reached the Blue Line their reserve company was to deploy facing south. The 2 Bedfords would follow the Northants and also deploy facing south (W54b). 1 section’s tanks were to form up and accompany the 8th Berkshires in the second phase of the attack (H14).
The 11 Royal Fusiliers on the right of the brigade’s front were to launch a mock attack towards the village, one company was to follow the Bedfords and deploy facing south. (W54b)
Once all three battalions were in place the attack south into the village would commence (W54b) on a four company frontage, at 08.13 (W2Bed) (W11Lon). This attack was to be supported by four tanks from B Company 14 Tank Battalion. 9196, 2Lt Hayes with 11 Royal Fusiliers, 2Lt Blaker and 2Lt Borrows with the 2 Bedfords and 2Lt Isaacs with the 6 Northants (H14t). The Northants were also to be supported by at least one (H14), or possibly all three (W53b) of 1 section’s tanks. It (or they) were to work down the eastern side of the road running from A15b.1.6 to the road running from A15d.15.20 to the road junction in A21d.5.7. [i.e. south along the Blue Line] (H14t).
Once the village and Blue line had been secured B company’s four tanks were to return to rally via A26a and A21c.(H14)
Once the Blue line had been secured 8 Berkshires and 10 Essex from 53 Brigade were to pass through and commence their advance to the Red Line starting from the Blue Line (W53b). One tank from 1 Section was to accompany the 8th Berkshires, work up the road (Route d' Hecq, (H14)) running from A8d.9.1 to the road junction in A10b.7.3 and then mop up the western edge of the Wood in A11.a.c. The other two tanks to go into reserve at A9c.3.4 (H14).
1 Section’s three tanks were only to be withdrawn when the 55th infantry brigade passed through and then not prior to informing the infantry on the second objective that they were rallying (H14).
10th Essex’s attack was to be supported by all three tanks from 3 section. The Essex were to form up between points A15d.15.20 and A21d.4.8 and then advance to a line running from A17a8.3 to A17d.0.4 to A23d.4.4. (W53b).
One tank was to work along the south of the wood on the line A15d.7.5 to A16b.4.3 to A16d.4.3 to A17c.9.7. (W53b) [i.e. along the Laides Brules]
Two tanks were to advance with the 10th Essex either side of the Route D ' Preux 21d.5.7 to ?17c.9.3. (W53b)
Supply, wireless and signal tanks
See 2 Tank Supply Company narrative for details.
Account of Operations
A Company
1 Section
The Royal West Kent's account states the tanks advanced at 6.10am, the infantry attacking when the barrage opened at 6.15. (W7RWK)
9557 met the the 7th Royal West Kents and supported them in their attack on Hecq. Mgs were silenced one at the crossroads at A8a and one 200 yds further on. The tank then proceeded through the orchard to the west of the road and compelled the surrender of the enemy who were occupying the houses along the road. The tank now attempted to search out Mgs in the north (or West) of the village and lost touch with the Royal West Kents, instead joining the 2nd Welsh Fusiliers for whom the tank silenced enemy MGs in the southern edge of Englepontaine and assisted them by suppressing the enemy who were in the 400 yard wide gap that had opened between the 38th and 18th Divisions flanks. The Infantry were thus able to advance. 9557 returned to Hecq, silencing at least two MGs at Ruisseau des Eclusaette en route. (H14) (W2RWF) The tank then re-joined the Royal West Kents who were with tank 9185. 9557 attacked a strongpoint of two Mgs and two trench mortars in the north of the village. The tank successfully silenced one MG but then stopped as its radiator had been pierced. The tank was evacuated and the crew fought dismounted (H14), at A8b where they greatly assisted the infantry (W7RWK) . Later the tank was reoccupied by the crew (H14) [and presumably recovered?]
9590 Attacked but suffered a direct hit after proceeding 400 yds. The driver and OIC were both wounded. Being unfit for further action the tank retired to the rally point A7d.2.5. Nine Germans surrendered to the tank while it was at the rallying point.
9877 joined the 2nd (W7rwk) Welsh Fusiliers at A7b and proceeded 400yds ahead of them silencing Mgs at their request. The tank lost touch with the Welsh Fusiliers and joined the 7th Royal West Kents, it and tank 9557 both attacked Hecq, By now three of 9877’s crew were unconscious due to fumes, the tank dealt with Mgs in a farmyard but the tank's driver and OIC were both then overcome and the tank stopped. The section's OIC found the tank, restarted it with the help of four German prisoners and returned it to the rally point.
All the tanks were out of action by 9.45am. (W7RWK)
he 8th Berkshires war diary states the four tanks allocated to them were unable to help but the Brigades account of the operation states one tank did take forward valuable supplies of SAA and Lewis gun drums (W53b)
The 53rd Brigades account of operations states three of the four tanks got into action with the infantry and did valuable work, Lt Robinson's tank (9557) helping capture Hecq (W53b)
3 Section
All three tanks arrived by Zero (06.15) , at least two deposited SAA and Lewis gun drums with the 10th Essex (W10Essx).
9267 and 9185 then advanced with the 6th Northants from 54 Brigade (W10Essx) (W53b)
9185 was knocked out early on by a direct hit. The crew fought on as dismounted Machine gunners. (H14)
9267 accompanied the infantry into the southern part of Hecq village. The tank then entered the village of Preux and fired a few 6pdr rounds before its 6pdr gun and 4 Hotchkiss guns were put out of action. The tank withdrew, fixed the guns and re entered the village with two tanks from “B” company [XXX, XXX] and overcame the enemy therein. 9267 then proceeded to A15c.5.9 and worked his way along the edge of the wood firing on the enemy in the wood until the tank ditched at A15c.7.5. An enemy attack out of the wood was beaten back by the tank but the tank then broke a track whilst trying to un-ditch. (H14)
9093 remained in reserve with C Company of the 10th Essex, when they moved forward to their start line it advanced with them from the assembly point (W10Essx). It silenced an enemy Mg shortly after starting, but had two Hotckiss guns KO in the process. The tank became lost in the fog but followed its compass bearing until it entered a wood, engaged the enemy therein and bellied on a tree stump. (H14) (W53b)
B Company
Very little opposition was encountered until the tanks turned south then the enemy resistance stiffened considerably. (H14)
The tanks had lost their way by 9.30 and by this time at least three were operating with the two right companies of 2 Bedfords, they helped the infantry fight their way through the cemetery and village to the church where contact was made with the 2nd Munsters (50th Division) (W54b) at 09.30 (W2Bed). A Company 2 Beds had been held up by a strongpoint at A15c.6.5, which was twice unsuccessfully attacked by a tank (presumably 2Lt Blaker), the strongpoint was eventually outflanked and surrounded by the infantry (W2Bed).
2Lt Isaac’s tank silenced 4 or 5 Mgs but then ditched at A20a.9.7 the infantry had retired but the crew successfully suppressed the enemy sufficiently to allow the tank’s evacuation. The tank was reoccupied by the crew later but they were unable to unditch it. [Note the position given above is possibly incorrect as it is not in 6 Northants sector, A21a may be the correct location ?].
2Lt Blaker passed though the infantry after they started digging in short of Preaux. The tank suppressed the enemy in the village and returned to bring the infantry on. The village was successfully captured, the tank continuing to clear the east side.
9896 lost touch with the infantry in the mist , 3 Mgs and the 6pdr were disabled by enemy fire and the tank was mobbed by enemy infantry who were successfully fought off with revolvers. The tank managed to clear the West side of Preux. After clearing its allotted sector the tank was recommitted later in the day and carried SAA for the infantry, finally coming out of action at 9pm. (H14t.p62)
9196 2Lt Hayes moved forward with the11th Royal Fusiliers (London) when the southwards attack commenced at Zero + 118 minutes (08.13). The tank assisted by breaking through two hedges, then crossed the stream and turned left to deal with a reported enemy post and broke down (W11Lon) (or got lost in the mist (H14) . It continued to engage the enemy with its 6pdr. The infantry now experienced great difficulty in clearing the hedges. (W11Lon) A direct hit blew half the tanks female sponson away but the tank continued to fight (H14)
Only Lt Isaacs tank failed to rally.
The 2 Bedford's state the tanks were very useful for breaking down hedges, but not of much use in aiding the advance as one broke down and the other two were put out of action before they got very far (W2Bed).
54 Brigades War Diary stated the tanks were of the greatest assistance, and though they did not always turn up at the right place when they did turn up they were invaluable (W54b)
18 Divisions attack had gone very well, with relatively few casualties, large numbers of the enemy were captured along with many Mgs, Guns and other equipment. 1400 civilians were liberated in Preaux. (Various infantry sources)
Supply, wireless and signal tanks
See 2 Tank Supply Company narrative for details.
Summary
Total Tanks: 10
Failed to Start: 1
Engaged enemy: 4
Ditched / Broke Down: 4
Hit and Knocked out: 3
Rallied: 2
Notes
Broken down includes 9877 whose crew were overcome by fumes.
Rallied doesn’t include 9590 which is included in the hit and knocked out section, or 9877.
Hit and knocked out includes 9557 and 9590.
The summary in the war history states that four of the fifteen tanks the battalion committed to action tanks were fit for action after the attack.
Aftermath
This was 14th Battalions’ last action.
Sources
W2tb - War diary of the 2nd Tank Brigade Pdf Download from Kew - PRO-WO-95-102-3 pgs 63ff - NOT YET USED
W14t - War Diary of 14th Tank Battalion - Pdf Download from Kew - PRO-WO-95-103-4 pgs 14 and 15
Note the war diary for November 1918 is missing.
H14t - War History of 14th Tank battalion - Account of operations - Pdf Download from Kew - PRO-WO-95-103-5 Pg 52ff
W53b - 53 Infantry Brigade War diary - Pdf Download from Kew - PRO-WO-95-2036-4 Pgs 68, 91ff
Narrative of Operations of 53rd Infantry Brigade 29th October to 4th November 1918. PRO-WO-95-2036-4 Pgs 54ff
W7RWK - 7th Royal West Kents War diary - Pdf Download from Kew - PRO-WO-95-2040-2 - Battle Narrative pg 114,
W8Berk - 8th Royal Berkshire War Diary in 53 Infantry Brigades records - Pdf Download from Kew - PRO-WO-95-2036-4 Pg 79. also in PRO-WO-95-2037-2_4 Pg 41ff and PRO-WO-95-2037-2_5 p1ff
W10Esx - 10th Essex -War Diary - Pdf Download from Kew - PRO-WO-95-2038-5 Pg 111
10th Essex - "The Attack on Mormal Forest November 4th 1918" in 53 Infantry Brigades records - Pdf Download from Kew - PRO-WO-95-2036-4 Pg 58
W54b - 54 Infantry Brigade War Diary - Pdf Download from Kew - PRO-WO-95-2042-1 - Orders p99, p101, p106. -Narrative of Operations P108ff.
W6Hart - 6th Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment War Diary - Pdf Download from Kew - PRO-WO-95-2044-2 - p82f - No mention of tanks.
W2Bed - 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment War Diary - Pdf Download from Kew - PRO-WO-95-2042-2 - Narrative of Ops p33ff
W11Lon - 111th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (London) Regiment War Diary - Pdf Download from Kew - PRO-WO-95-2045-1 - p101, p106
W2RWF - War Diary of 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers - Pdf Download from PRO Kew - PRO WO 95-2561-1 p31ff
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