I eventually found these tanks out of action and proceeded alone to a further line of trenches, where I met with decidedly severe hostile machine-gun and shell fire. I consider we were successful in quelling one of the many sniper posts, but on account of being ditched were prevented from proceeding. It would appear, however, that the presence of my tank—it being on the right flank of our infantry, which was up in the air—was a deterrent to the enemy, of whom small bodies were still in existence in the vicinity. I caused my 6-pounders to be manned, and we held our position for three days, when the tank was eventually got out of her position. As a whole, the crew worked together well and cheerfully, but I would especially commend Corporal D—— for unfailing cheerfulness and devotion to duty under very trying and disappointing circumstances.
(Signed) C——, 2nd Lieut.,
O.C. Tank D.9.
Battle History of Crew No. D.4. Tank No. 783. Date 23/4/17.
Commanded by Lieutenant E——
| Unit to which attached | 50th Division (4th Battalion Yorks. Regt.). |
| Hour the tank started for action | 3.30 a.m. |
| Hour of zero | 4.45 a.m. |
| Extent and nature of hostile shell fire | Shell fire heavy, practically no shrapnel. Machine-gun fire not excessive. |
| Ammunition expended | Approximately 40 rounds (6-pounder). |
| Casualties | Nil. |
| Position of tank after action | 0.19.b.05 (approx.). |
| Condition of tank after action | Unserviceable: both tracks broken, probably other damage from direct hits; also on fire. |
Orders received.—To attack enemy strong point at 0.19.a.07 as my first objective, then to proceed to banks in 0.19.b. and return with the infantry until the Blue Line was consolidated, as my second objective.
My third objective was to conform with an advance by the infantry at zero plus seven hours, and to attack a tangle of trenches in 0.21.a. & b. just in advance of the Red Line. It was eventually left to my decision as to the possibility of attempting this third objective.
Report of action.—Advanced with infantry, but owing to heavy mist had great difficulty in following exact route. Reached first objective at 5.20 a.m., having approached it from the river side. Successfully dealt with several of the enemy on left bank of river, causing them to retire. Cruised about until joined by tank No. 522, D. 3. Then proceeded towards second objective. On the way I saw our infantry retiring, went ahead to stop enemy advance. Whilst going forward I saw Lieutenant F——’s tank, which was then off its route. Lieutenant F—— came out of his tank and informed me that he had lost his way. I redirected him, and he then rejoined his tank. Almost immediately after this (approx. 6.30 a.m.) both tanks came under direct anti-tank gun and machine-gun fire. The latter was silenced by my left 6-pounder gun. I manœuvred to present as small a target as possible to the former. The tank, however, received about six direct hits, which damaged both tracks, set alight the spare petrol carried in box in rear of tank, and possibly caused other serious damage. The whole crew succeeded in escaping from the tank unhurt. Position of tank as stated.
I then returned to Coy. H.Q. and reported.
(Signed) E——, Lieut.,
O.C. Tank D.4.