Comp. Coy. B Battalion 30 November 1917
The Tanks at Cambrai. 30th November 1917
Comp Company, B Battalion, with Guards Division, IV Corps
B battalion had 22 tanks in action on 30th November 1917 (H2) (W2a) (BHS)
5 Company
B26, 4671, "Bison II", Lt Gordon Blake NJ
B27, 2077, "Bloodstone II", Hoyland then Lt Dingley
B29, 6017, "Bijou", 2lt Lynch Staunton
B31, 2619, "Bohemian II", 2Lt Peel Gf
B32, 6013, "Baron II", 2Lt Allison JA
B35, 4589, "Bogey II", 2Lt Doyle JE
6 Company
6 tanks (W2a)
B42, 2871
B51, 2034
Note
The War Diary only states 6 Company had 6 tanks in action (W2). The BHS (WMH) indicate 5 company had 6 tanks in action. It seems likely that both companies committed 6 tanks.
The War History states 6 tanks went forward initially under the command of Maj. Laskey, the others following when they were ready; in total 22 tanks went forward. (H2)
Background
When the Germans counter attacked on the 30th November the three tank brigades were in the process of being withdrawn (OH.p170). At 10am the II tank brigade was ordered to send one battalion to attack Gouzeacourt directly and another to attack the village for the direction of Hendicourt, the tanks were made ready as quickly as possible. At 12.40pm 22 tanks of "B" battalion moved towards Gouzeacourt, followed by 14 "A" Battalion tanks which made for Revelon Ridge. I tank brigade, in Havrincourt Wood also sent 10 tanks from "E" Battalion and 17 from "D" Battalion, but these did not get into action. (OH.p189)
Orders
To help recapture Gouzeaucourt and cover consolidation of same.
2077 was to go to R31b and R31d (WMH)
Zero hour 3pm.
Account of operations
Six tanks went forward initially under the command of Maj. Laskey FS, the other sixteen following when they were ready.(H2) At 3.30 pm eleven tanks arrived from the guards right rear with orders to take Gouzeaucourt (W1Gdb). On approaching the village the tanks came under heavy fire (H2) , four were hit and knocked out (W1Gdb) presumably including 2034 which was abandoned and destroyed (W2) .The crews of the KO tanks also bailed out with their Lewis guns and joined with the 2nd Coldstream guards in readiness to repel counter attacks. (W1Gdb)
In addition 2871 was hit on the front by an AP [round] (W2s) and 2077 was damaged by shell hits (WMH); both tanks rallied. (W2) (WMH)
The tanks entered the village and found it was already held by the British Guards Division so they formed a defensive screen then withdrew at nightfall. (W2) (WMH)
The 2nd Tank Brigade's account of operations says the brigade sent 36 tanks into action, 22 from "B" and 14 from "A" Battalion. 5 tanks were knocked out (W22) The BHS indicate "A" Battalion sent 20 tanks forward.
Summary
Intended: 22
Reserve:
At Start: 22
Engaged enemy: 0
Ditched / Broke Down: 0
Hit and Knocked out: 1
Rallied: 11
Rallied includes the two damaged tanks.
Aftermath
Seven tanks from the battalion were in action on the 1st December.
B51, 2034 was handed to salvage at point Q32.d.3.3 [ possibly Q30] with Diff. extension shafts (W2s) presumably destroyed thereafter.
B42, 2871 was returned to Fins Tankodrome (W2s)
Sources
W2a – Battalion War Diary PRO WO 95/109: Orders, Account of operations Nov 20th – 23rd,
W2s - Battalion War Diary PRO WO 95/109: Tanks Handed to Salvage during November 1917
W2 – Battalion War Diary transcript from Bovington Tank Museum
W22 - 2nd Brigade Tank Corps. Report on Operations. November 20th to December 1st 1917.
W1Gdb - 1st Guards Brigade War Diary.
Narrative of Operations carried out by the 1st Guards Brigade. November 30th and December 1st 1917.
BHS - Battle History Sheets, 30th Nov. 1917 for 5 company tanks listed above.