Deborah: Unearthing the Truth About a Great War Tank Battle

This talk, which was delivered 'live' to an online audience by John Taylor is about the incredible story of a tank called 'Deborah' that went into action in November 1917 and was rediscovered 80 years later.

Deborah D51 was one of nearly 380 fighting tanks that attacked seemingly impregnable German positions at the start of the Battle of Cambrai on November 20, 1917. Following a day of heroism and tragedy, her shell-torn hulk was eventually buried on the battlefield where it was discovered and excavated 80 years later by the French historian Philippe Gorczynski. The tank is the centre piece of a new museum in Flesquières. 

In this online talk, John Taylor describes the project to identify and research the lives of the men who fought inside and alongside Deborah, and who are now commemorated in this unique memorial. He also tells how the project delivered crucial new insights into one of the pivotal episodes in the world’s first great tank battle.