TANK CORPS

[GRAZ]

Hi All

Can anybody tell me anything about the service history of the 29TH BATT, TANK CORPS

Any info would be appreciated.

Cheers

Graham

[delta]

I did not think there were more than 26 Bns - but I could be wrong

[ander11]

I did not think there were more than 26 Bns - but I could be wrong

Hello there , Yes I think Delta right there was only 26 Bns

In November 1916 the eight companies then in existence were each expanded to form battalions still lettered A through H; another seven battalions, I through O, were formed by January 1918, when they all were converted to numbered units. On 28 July 1917 the Heavy Branch was by Royal Warrant separated from the rest of the MGC and given official status as the Tank Corps, meaning that by the beginning of 1918 the fifteen units were changed from letters to numbers as 1st Battalion to 15th Battalion, Tank Corps. More battalions continued to be formed, and by December 1918, 26 had been created. (At this time there were only 25 tank battalions, however; the 17th had converted to using armoured cars in April 1918). The first commander of the Tank Corps was Hugh Elles.

I hope this helps

best reguards

Ian

[charlesmessenger]

The peak strength (1918) was 25 battalions, numbered 1-25.

Charles M

[GRAZ]

Hi All

Maybe the National Archives have mis-interpreted his M.I.C, he's described as serving in the 29th TANK REGIMENT BATT, which does seem a bit strange, he later served in the RAF as an officer. His name is - WILLIAM ROBERT COLLINS.

Cheers

Graham

[hmsk212]

29th Training Reserve as per the National Archives and not 29th Tank Regiment as per Ancestry.

Steve

[delta]

Looking at the MIC on Ancestry - it looks like 29 T R Bn although it could be TK Bn

His service number is 17920 (which is not a standard Tank Corps number)

Ooops sorry - bit late

[GRAZ]

Thanks for the help everyone

Cheers

Graham