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Post Info TOPIC: Whippet A351
mickk


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Whippet A351
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Hello everyone , I need some help again. smile

I have a commision for a painting of a Whippet A351 commanded by Lieut W Underhill

at Brancourt 8th Oct 1918 . It was hit and had the "Loophole Plate" blown off. 
 
Can anybody help with some information on this action or tank?
 
Thanks for any help.

Mick.  



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M Kittridge
tanks3


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Hi,

From the 6th Battalion history (351 was part of A Coy) I have the following:

On the 23/8/18 this tank was commanded by Lt. J. Black.  On that date the 6th battalion received orders to support the 2nd division in the capture of Ervillers, Behagnies and Sapignies.  Just before the starting point was reached this tank developed mechanical trouble north of Courcelles. 

On the 6th October 1918, the battalion received orders to operate in the area of Brancourt and Premont.  On the 8th October, 351 is recorded as having lost a loophole plate blown off with the officer in command becoming a casualty. I assume this officer to be Lt Underhill who was in command of the right section of 3 tanks, 351; 378 and 331.  351 rallied at the rallying point at 11.00am

Finally, on the 2nd November the battalion received orders that it was to operate with VI corps in the area of Haussie and La Capelle.  13 tanks were to go into action of which 351 was 1.  The tanks had to move, on the night of the 3rd, to a point north east of La Capelle.  To achieve this move the tanks had to cross 2 rivers and there were no bridges strong enough for the tanks.  351 became ditched in attempting the crossing of one of these rivers, the water entering the tank upto the drivers waist and into the engine. 

Hope that helps

Tanks3

-- Edited by tanks3 on Wednesday 8th of September 2010 07:45:47 PM

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Gwyn Evans


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Some more history. First reference I have to this tank is dated 11 August 1918 when it was with A Coy 6th Battalion. I agree with tanks3 about 23.8.18 and 6.10.18 and didn't have the information re 2.11.18 so am grateful for that.

On 15.11.18 the tank won a Whippet race organised for 6th Battalion drivers, the driver being Cpl F.C. Hellier. On 18.1.19 it was with 6th Battalion but was entrained at Erin for special duty. It is next seen in June 1919 at Marlborough Barracks, Dublin with 17th Battalion, where it carried the name "Fanny Adams".

Incidentally, note that 17th Battalion didn't follow the usual naming system (a bit awkward as the 17th letter of the English alphabet is Q), and although "Fanny Adams" might be taken as a 6th Battalion name I don't think it is.

A photo of it with 17th is attached.

Gwyn

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Gwyn Evans


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P.S. I know Q isn't really that difficult: Queen Maud, Matilda, Elizabeth, Bee, Mary, Caroline, Anne, Victoria, Queensland, or even just Queen etc.

Gwyn

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Rectalgia


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According to http://www.awm.gov.au/cms_images/histories/7/chapters/21.pdf Brancourt and Prémont were taken by the II American Corps on the 8th (they took over from the Australians on the 5th) - the US 30th Infantry Division by the looks of it. So the infantry perspective of the battle would be found in American sources. The Australians provided Artillery support to the Americans. The HQ 2nd Australian Divisional Artillery war diaries contains some brief detail that may help you gain a "feel" for the action - http://www.awm.gov.au/cms_images/AWM4/13/AWM4-13-11-32part1.pdf (large PDF). The 3rd, 4th and 5th were engaged too but not exactly on the same front.

Anyway, your man's first name was William, he started service as a Private in the Royal Fusiliers before rising to Lieutenant in the Tank Corps and he was, in the fullness of time, awarded the usual "trio" of service medals - the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. I don't know about any gallantry medals.

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kieffer


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Gwyn Evans wrote:

It is next seen in June 1919 at Marlborough Barracks, Dublin with 17th Battalion, where it carried the name "Fanny Adams".

Incidentally, note that 17th Battalion didn't follow the usual naming system (a bit awkward as the 17th letter of the English alphabet is Q), and although "Fanny Adams" might be taken as a 6th Battalion name I don't think it is.

A compliment to all of you for your analysis, very impressive! Just a little side-liner, who was Fanny Adams (and her sister as she 'was a Whippet' too)?

regards, Kieffer

 



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Ironsides


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The chilling tale of "Sweet Fanny Adams"....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanny_Adams

Cheers

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kieffer


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oh dear, and I was thinking Fanny was a cabaret girl or something...thanks anyway for the (triste) explanation! I better do not ask who Julians Baby was then...

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mickk


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Thank's everyone . (What a good website this is. )  All very usefull information .
I'm working on a picture of this tank action  to go in a frame with
Lieut Underhill's medal trio . Which I have in front of me now .
By the way , the Loophole Plate is that the square one with the gun in it ,on the front of the tower at the rear?
 
Thank's again.
mick.

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M Kittridge
mickk


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Work in progress, do you think it should have the red and white stripes on the front?confuse  

Thanks again,

Mick.

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M Kittridge
tanks3


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Mick,

For the sake of authenticity, I think the whte/red/white strops are a must

Tanks

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mickk


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With stripes.smile

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M Kittridge
tanks3


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Now we are talking!!  Brilliant


Tanks3

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LincolnTanker


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Mick,

the stripes are nicely set on the thirds for composition, and a bit of red always adds impact.

Looks good,
Chris

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mickk


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Finally all stuck together, mounted , varnished and ready to hand over.
thanks everybody.smile
Mick.

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