Northumbrian Gunner: Cambrai - Flesquieres 'Deborah'

Friday, 9 March 2018

Cambrai - Flesquieres 'Deborah'

On the 20th November 1917 the tanks of D Battalion Tank Corps were supporting the 51st (Highland) Division who were tasked to secure the Flesquieres Ridge as there initial objective. The tanks were able to break through the forward defences and into the Grand Ravine. As they approached the Flesquieres Ridge they were engaged by German Gunners trained in anti-tank tactics. Over 40 tanks were destroyed.

D51 Deborah

Despite the heavy casualties, one tank, D51 'Deborah', with infantry in support were able to enter the village of Flesquieres. Providing suppressive fire the tank moved through the ruins of the village. As the tank left the village it was hit by several artillery rounds. Five of the crew were killed, the commander 2/Lt Frank Heap and the two remaining crew members were able to retire to the British Lines. 2/Lt Frank Heap was awarded the Military Cross for his actions.

2/Lt F. G. Heap MC

Tank Commander of Deborah

2/Lt Frank Heap MC

“In Cambrai operations near Flesquieres on November 20th 1917, he fought his tank with great gallantry and skill, leading the infantry on to five objectives. He proceeded through the village and engaged a battery of enemy field guns from which his tank received five direct hits, killing four of his crew. Although then behind the German lines he collected the remainder of his crew and conducted them in good order back to our own lines in spite of heavy machine gun and snipers fire”.

Crew of Deborah

Survived this action	2/Lt F. G. Heap
KIA 20-Nov-1917	Lance Corporal G. C. Foot
KIA 20-Nov-1917	Gunner William Galway
KIA 20-Nov-1917	Gunner Joseph Cheverton
KIA 20-Nov-1917	Gunner F. W. Tipping
KIA 20-Nov-1917	Private W. G. Robinson
Survived this action	Lance Corporal David Marsden
Survived this action	?

Gunner Frank Tipping served with the Royal Field and Horse Artillery prior to the Tank Corps.

Lance Corporal David Marsden survived the action and the war.
LANCE CORPORAL DAVID BERTRAM MARSDEN

Flesquires was captured by the 51st Highlanders the day after Deborah was destroyed. The wreck remained in the village till after the war, when it was buried in a hole. It remained buried till 1998 when it was excavated and placed on display.

Deborah excavation

Deborah on display in Flesquiers

Deborah was moved to a purpose built museum which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the battle in 2017.

Tank Museum Flesquieres

The crew members killed when Deborah was hit by artillery fire were buried next to the tank. After the war the were interned in the Flesquieres Hill Cemetery and buried alongside each other.

CWGG FLESQUIERES HILL CEMETERY