The Tank Corps at the Battle of Amiens 8 August 1918

In this presentation, which was delivered 'live' to an online audience, Geoffrey Vesey Holt talks about the Battle of Amiens was the decisive start of the Allied advance to victory in 1918.

In this battle, 462 Mark V and 96 Medium A Whippet tanks and 15 Austin cars played a key role in the victory supported by 142 supply tanks and gun carriers. The role of faster (4.6 mph) and more manoeuvrable Mark V tanks will be illustrated by looking at key actions and personalities along the battle front.

This analysis will include, in the north, the 10th Tank Battalion’s difficult battle in support of the tired III British Corps. It will look at the 2nd Tank Battalion’s hard fought but successful actions in support of the Australians in the centre led by their brave CO who would earn his third DSO. The presentation will also highlight 5th Tank Battalion’s initial dash across the River Luce in support of the Canadians to the role of the much faster Whippets (8.2 mph) and armoured cars

We will also look at the advance of the Mark V Star tanks to the final objective which included a rare tank versus rail gun engagement.