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The Tank Corps
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Victoria Crosses
awarded to Members of the
Tank Corps
1916 to 1918.
Four Victoria Crosses were awarded to members of the Tank Corps during the First World War. All were officers, who were recognised for their actions whilst in the open.
2nd Lieut C Robertson VC, 3rd Bn, Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regt)
(Temporary Lieutenant, Acting Captain, attached Tank Corps)
Capt Clement Robertson of A Battalion, Tank Corps received a Posthumous VC it was announced on the 28th December 1917 for his actions on the 4/10/1917. He lead the tanks of his section on foot in thick mist, supporting the 21st Division capture of Ruetelbeck Bridge and a strong point on the other side. He was mortally wounded in the head after tanks had reached their objectives. He died aged 28 on the 4th October 1917.
Temp Lieut R.W.L WainVC, 25th Bn, Manchester Regiment
(Acting Captain, Tank Corps)
Capt Robert William Leslie Wain of A Battalion Tank Corps received a Posthumous VC, it was announced on the 13th February 1918 for his actions at Cambrai on the 20th November 1917. His Tank had been knocked out at point blank range whilst attacking Good Old Man Farm. He was only one of two survivors. Though seriously wounded, he refused treatment from stretcher barers and advanced with a Lewis and rushed a German strong point that was holding up the British attack. He Captured half the garrison and whilst firing on the retreating Germans with a rifle, he was mortally wounded in the head. He died aged 20 on the 20th November 1917.
Lieut C.H. Sewell VC, Queens Own (Royal West Kent Regt)
(attached Tank Corps)
Lieutenant Cecil Harold Sewell of 3rd Battalion, Tank Corps received a Posthumous VC, it was announced on the 30th October 1918 for his courage in his endeavours to rescue a Whippet Crew of his own section. Whose tank had slid into a shell crater. The tank door was leaning against the shell hole side and he saved the crew by digging the door free unaided in full sight of the Germans. He succeeded and on returning to his own tank to assist a wounded crew member, was mortally wounded whilst dressing the wounds of the crew member. He died aged 23 on the 29th August 1918.
Capt R.A. West DSO and Bar, MC, VC, North Irish Horse,
(Acting Lieutenant Colonel, Tank Corps).
Lt Col Richard Annesley West of the 6th Battalion, Tank Corps received a Posthumous VC, it was announced on the 30th October 1918 for his actions on the 2/9/1918. Elements of his battalion had become confused in the fog. He rode forward on his horse, organised and rallied his men. In spite of heavy machine gun and rifle fire, rode up and down the German line to give heart to his men. He fell dead, riddled by machine gun bullets. He was 39 years old at the time of his death, he had served in the South African War and went to the front in 1914 and transferred to Tank Corps in 1917. He died on the 2nd September 1918.
Sources.
1. The Times History of the War Vol XV, XVI, and XVIII, Times 1915 to 1922
2. Liddell Hart, The Tanks Vol I, Cassell 1959
3. Commonwealth War Graves Commission Web Site.
Copyright Stuart Groombridge
All Rights Reserved 2000
Created 13th December 2000
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