5 Battalion 11 October 1918

The battle of the Selle. 11^th October 1918

5^th Battalion with 71^st Infantry brigade 6^th Division, IX Corp, 4th Army ^(OH) and 115^th French Brigade ^(W5)

5^th Battalion had 5 tanks in action on 11^th October 1918 ^(W5)

Notes

Orders

To support the 71^st Brigade and clear out MG posts at north end of Riqueval Wood; D12, D18, E13 and E17 ^(W5)

Account of Operations

All objectives attained. One tank hit and knocked out, another broke down whilst returning from action. A third tank broke down whilst attempting to tow the second^{. (H5)} One tank helped the Infantry capture Riquerval Farm ^(OH)

6 tanks were also to support 46^th Division but they weren’t required. At 4:20pm 2 tanks supported 115^th French brigade’s attack on Retheuil Farm. Both tanks were knocked out close to the farm by a heavy enemy barrage, only 2 crewman from one of the tanks escaped. ^{(H5) (W5)}

Summary

Total Tanks: 5

Failed to Start:

Engaged enemy:

Ditched / Broke Down: 2

Hit and Knocked out: 1

Rallied:

Note

Aftermath

Disabled tanks recovered after dark. ^(W5)

5 tanks remained in the battalion. ^(W5)

This was 5^th Battalions last action. ^(W5)

Sources

H5 - 5^th Battalion War History - transcript from Bovington tank museum.

W4a – 4^th Tank battalion - Summery of Tanks on Strength – August 1918. - PRO WO 95-110

W5 - 5^th Battalion War Diary - transcript from Bovington tank museum.

OH – Official history. 1918. Volume V. p248f

Final Battles. 10 October - 7 November 1918