Both French and British had suffered rather heavy casualties, the French 3rd Division, with whom we had acted, losing over seven hundred officers and men.
Fifteen Tanks out of thirty-six had been knocked out by direct hits, and of the fifteen rather a large proportion were beyond salving.
However, the enemy’s losses were also heavy. The prisoners totalled over eighteen hundred, and we took 5 field guns, 45 trench mortars and 275 machine-guns.
Before the 9th Battalion went back to the training area it had the honour of being inspected by General Debeney, commanding the 1st French Army.
He was kind enough to express extreme pleasure at the way in which the Tanks fought, and in his special Order of the Day gave the Battalion praise of which they will ever be proud.
“Finally, I owe a special tribute of thanks to the Battalion of British Tanks, whose powerful and devoted assistance has aided and assured our success.
“Commanded by an experienced and skilful leader, the Tanks have again added to that rich harvest of laurels which this new arm has not ceased to gather since its first appearance in September 1916. They have given to the Division the finest example of bravery, of energy, of comradeship in action, and of training for war carried to the highest degree of perfection. Their assistance has enabled the infantry to gain a brilliant victory in which they themselves share largely.”
Finally, as a token of comradeship between the French troops of the 3rd Division and the 9th Tank Battalion, this Battalion had the honour of being presented with the badge of the 3rd French Division. Since that day they have worn it proudly on their left sleeve.