The Tanks at Flers

On the morning of 15 September 1916. 49 tanks were tasked to support an attack designed to capture German strong points between Courcelette and Combles. Several of the tanks broke down en route to their starting points; others were unable to cope with the dreadful ground conditions and became stuck.

Many were damaged by enemy artillery fire as they made their way across No Man's Land but a few managed to get beyond the German front line trenches.

Two tanks were hit by direct fire as they fought their way past German positions to the east of Flers and, the next day, all three who got into action were destroyed by artillery fire to the north of the village, again as they supported as attacking infantry units.