Landships II

The war diary of D Co. HBMGC describes the action on 13-14/11/16 as follows: "Orders were received to attack isolated strong point situated Q17 b7.4. Lts. Drader, Robinson F A were detailed with Lt. Bell in reserve. On journey to starting point Lt. Robinson's tank was hit by shell fire and placed out of action. Infantry guide was picked up and travelled in leading tank (Lt. Drader).
"At Zero (6 am) tanks advanced to the attack and at 50 yds range Lt. Drader opened fire with 6 pdr guns. The tanks still advanced and crossed the first line of the strong point doing good enfilading work. Simultaneously the enemy hoisted the white flag. The tanks at this moment became ditched and an awkward situation arose, which was handled spendidly by both officers. A machine gunner was detailed to watch for any sign of treachery on the part of the enemy, and the officers and crews then left the tanks, and entered the German trenches with loaded revolvers,
"They coaxed the enemy out of their dugouts and after about an hour the prisoners who numbered over 400 were despatched to rear with an infantry escort. When the adverse conditions as regards ground are reckoned with, this must be considered a very fine performance and all ranks engaged in the operation are to be congratulated."
Lt. Drader in known to have commanded D20 "Daphne" on 15/9/16, and evidence form Malin's film suggests that he was still in command of this tank at the Battle of the Ancre.
The photograph shows a present day view of the area where the action occurred, looking NNE across the Ancre from the vicinity of the Schwaben Redoubt. The action would have taken place in the fields above the Ancre Cemetary. Incidentally, it gives a good indication of the view the Germans were fighting so hard to retain. Unfortunately, I do not have a trench map showing coordinates for this area, but I think the redoubt in question is indicated on the map of the 63 Div. attack (photograph and map from "Beamont Hamel" by Nigel Cave.)