TANKS IN BATTLE-AUCHONVILLERS

[DAVE PLATT]

Hello All,

I am very interested in how tanks were used on the Somme Sept through to Nov 1916 and I have read and digested some excellent information but have a quest for more specific information especially in Auchonvillers.

There are accounts of tanks moving into this viilage with a few other snippets but its gone like a cold case file! (or I could just be looking in the wrong places!)

I have also read that they were used on the November attack on Beaumont Hamel but again lacking detail.

I would like to see, a detailled map of movements, specific actions, damage reports, successful objective accounts and how they assisted in consolidating the new position for the Infantry.

Any advice on that specifically would be most welcome.

Thanks

Dave

[Sidearm]

I'd recommend you obtain the late Trevor Pigeon's "Tanks on the Somme: From Morval to Beaumont Hamel" (2010) ISBN 978 1 84884 253 3.

Gwyn

[WhiteStarLine]

Dave, have you tried pages 54 - 59 of Tanks in the Great War, by JFC Fuller? Free download from www.archive.org/details/cu31924027835168.

[DAVE PLATT]

I'd recommend you obtain the late Trevor Pigeon's "Tanks on the Somme: From Morval to Beaumont Hamel" (2010) ISBN 978 1 84884 253 3.

Gwyn

Hi Gwyn,

Thanks I have heard and read about the book but not purchased as it may not have the specific content I need.

As you reccommend it I will get it.

Thanks

Dave

[DAVE PLATT]

Dave, have you tried pages 54 - 59 of Tanks in the Great War, by JFC Fuller? Free download from www.archive.org/details/cu31924027835168.

Hi,

Thanks very much for this, those pages are quite informative and gives me more knowledge, the free download is unexpected, but most welcome.

Thanks

Dave

[centurion]

Hello All,

I have also read that they were used on the November attack on Beaumont Hamel but again lacking detail.

Dave

"Beaumont Hamel November 16 1916

The action at Beaumont Hamel was more of a demonstration of moral value of the tanks rather then their efficiency along mechanical or tactical lines. They were directed to attack a considerable number of enemy troops who had successfully resisted previous attacks. In this operation the two tanks used operated ahead of the infantry, and, although one of them was able to cross the enemy front line trench, it became stuck very soon thereafter. The second tank became stuck before reaching this trench. Both tanks were in a dangerous position when, upon examining the trenches around the tanks, the tank crews found that the enemy troops in both the front and support trenches were waving white cloths in token of surrender. The tank crews and the infantry troops who arrived in a short time , made prisoners of the entire garrison before they realised that the tanks were stuck and practically at their mercy."

The Fighting Tanks. British combat history.

[DAVE PLATT]

"Beaumont Hamel November 16 1916

The action at Beaumont Hamel was more of a demonstration of moral value of the tanks rather then their efficiency along mechanical or tactical lines. They were directed to attack a considerable number of enemy troops who had successfully resisted previous attacks. In this operation the two tanks used operated ahead of the infantry, and, although one of them was able to cross the enemy front line trench, it became stuck very soon thereafter. The second tank became stuck before reaching this trench. Both tanks were in a dangerous position when, upon examining the trenches around the tanks, the tank crews found that the enemy troops in both the front and support trenches were waving white cloths in token of surrender. The tank crews and the infantry troops who arrived in a short time , made prisoners of the entire garrison before they realised that the tanks were stuck and practically at their mercy."

The Fighting Tanks. British combat history.

Thanks for the info, great stuff! I have had some good advice and acquired more information that puts me on the spot with a really good trench map explaining the location and action

Much Appreciciated

Dave

[centurion]

You may find this useful

http://sites.google.com/site/landships/home/narratives/somme1916narratives/november1916

[DAVE PLATT]

You may find this useful

http://sites.google....es/november1916

Great thanks, I have got the Trevor Pidgeon book now (Tanks on the Somme) I reckon I have the information I need now, so thanks for your points.

Best Regards

Dave

[connaughtranger]

Hi

The Tank Corps by C & A Williams-Ellis pgs 34-38 has an account of the attack on Beaumont-Hamel. In it the narrator notes that, in early November, tanks were moved up to Auchonvillers and La Signy Farm where they were laid up until 12th November

Regards

Martin

[DAVE PLATT]

Hi

The Tank Corps by C & A Williams-Ellis pgs 34-38 has an account of the attack on Beaumont-Hamel. In it the narrator notes that, in early November, tanks were moved up to Auchonvillers and La Signy Farm where they were laid up until 12th November

Regards

Martin

Hi Martin,

Thanks for the information, I have not heard of that publication so will have a look out for it.

Cheers

Dave