The battle of the Selle. 11th October 1918
5th Battalion with 71st Infantry brigade 6th Division, IX Corp, 4th Army (OH) and 115th French Brigade (W5)
5th Battalion had 5 tanks in action on 11th October 1918 (W5)
Notes
Orders
To support the 71st 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 46th Division but they weren’t required. At 4:20pm 2 tanks supported 115th 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 5th Battalions last action. (W5)
Sources
H5 - 5th Battalion War History - transcript from Bovington tank museum.
W4a – 4th Tank battalion - Summery of Tanks on Strength – August 1918. - PRO WO 95-110
W5 - 5th Battalion War Diary - transcript from Bovington tank museum.
OH – Official history. 1918. Volume V. p248f
Final Battles. 10 October - 7 November 1918