76804 L/Cpl R. SCOTT. 1/TANK CORP (D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918)
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a rearguard action. He and a comrade (*Pte W.J.FORD) volunteered to remain behind with an officer, (* Captain F.S. Hunnikin) and cover the withdrawal of the remainder of the company, with the Lewis guns. They remained firing until the post was entirely surrounded, and then cut their way out with the last drum of ammunition and carrying the guns. They set a splendid example of courage throughout.
[BIOGRAPHY]
’Robert Scott was from Cambois, a small village near BLYTH, Northumberland. He originally joined the 14th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers, before transferring to the 1st Bn Tank Corps and was awarded the D.C.M. alongside Private W. J. Ford (who’s D.C.M. & Pair are also offered here)...Their awards were for most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 26 March 1918, at the Bois de Tailles. Their Tank Corps company was fighting a rearguard action covering the withdrawal of the infantry from Bray when it became partially surrounded by German troops. The infantry were running short of ammunition and a withdrawal became necessary. Scott and Ford volunteered to remain behind with Captain F. S. Hunnikin and cover the withdrawal of the remainder of the infantry company. They were armed with two Lewis guns. They worked their guns continually throughout the day and remained with Captain Hunnikin until the withdrawal of the infantry was completed, and afterwards until their position was almost entirely surrounded. For his part in the action Captain Hinnikin was awarded the Military Cross.
The Germans launched their Spring Offensive on 21st March (Operation Michael) at which time tank crews were detached from their tanks and formed into Lewis gun teams. This was to provide additional machine gun defences to stem the German advance.
[1st BATTALION THE TANK CORPS ]
This was the situation that 1st Battalion Tank Corps were confronting.
“On the 26th March the enemy broke through at Maricourt and Bray and all available Tank Crews were immediately organised into Lewis Gun posts, and took up positions behind the Bois de Tailles. The enemy then attacked heavily, and for 4 hours were held in check by the gun teams, who succeeded in inflicting very heavy casualties on the attacking German Infantry. During this attack the Tanks gun teams were absolutely without support of any kind.
A very fine example was set by one particular gun team consisting of Captain F.S. Hunnikin, L/Cpl R Scott & Pte W. Ford who continued to fire their gun untill it burst. They succeeding in putting 400 rounds into the enemy at point blank range. Sadly Lieut. Ehrhardt from one of the other trans was killed during this action, Hunnikin, Scott & Ford made a successful escape which was nothing short of miraculous, as they were hemmed in on three sides by the enemy.”
95177 Pte. 95177 W.J. FORD 1/TANK CORPS (D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918)
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a rearguard action. He volunteered to remain behind with an officer (*Captain F.S. Hunnikin) to cover the withdrawal of the remainder of the company, with two Lewis guns. He remained firing until the post was entirely surrounded, and then cut his way out with the last drum of ammunition and carrying the guns. He set a splendid example of courage throughout.
(NOTE)
Both D.C.M. Awards appeared in London Gazette 3 September 1918. (Joint & practically mirrored citations)
The original recommendation for Pte Ford states:
“For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 26 March 1918, at the Bois de Tailles. When his company was fighting a rearguard action covering the withdrawal of the infantry from Bray it became partially surrounded, and, running short of ammunition, a withdrawal was necessary. This man volunteered to remain behind with Captain F. S. Hunnikin and cover the withdrawal of the remainder of the company with two Lewis guns. He remained with Captain Hunnikin until the withdrawal of the company was completed, and afterwards until the post was entirely surrounded. Throughout the day his coolness and courage was of the greatest assistance, and he set a splendid example to all ranks.”
This is a most remarkable and very rare Double DCM assembly, the likes of which we’ve never encountered before. It would be unusual enough to find such a grouping to any unit, but to THE TANK CORPS ( with only about a total of 130 DCM’s awarded, ) its almost certainly a unique situation.
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