An exceptional Great War ‘Cambrai’ M.M. and ‘Big Push’ Bar group of three awarded to Sergeant Benjamin Hunter, 6th Battalion, Tank Corps, the Driver of Tank No. F.31 “Fearnought” at Cambrai, this tank’s name would later be taken as the motto of the Royal Tank Corps

Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (201212 Cpl., ‘F’ Bn., Tank Corps); British War and Victory Medals (201212 Sjt., Tank Corps) nearly extremely fine (3) £2500-3000

Ex Bill Green Collection 2004.

M.M. London Gazette 19 March 1918. The recommendation states:

‘On 20 November 1917, in the tank operations, this N.C.O. drove his tank with flaps open, although many splinters were coming through. He saw infantry signalling for assistance, and drove his tank very skilfully to their aid, enabling the officer to capture a machine-gun as well as a strong point and 80 prisoners, who were holding out on the Blue Line.

Again on 27 November, at Fontaine, when his tank had received a direct hit, Corporal Hunter was wounded in the shoulder and hand and taken by the Germans, who dressed him and told him to walk to the Cambrai Road. After proceeding a short way, he turned round and came back into our lines through heavy machine-gun and rifle fire on both sides. He displayed great determination and pluck all through the operations.’

Bar to M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919. The recommendation states ‘When in action near Fraicourt Wood on 8 October 1918, the tank of which this N.C.O. was in charge received a direct hit which set it on fire. On evacuating the tank, he and Private Lewis found they were surrounded by the enemy and cut off from our own infantry. Grasping the situation, with great presence of mind they rushed the nearest enemy post and captured the entire garrison, about 12 in number, whom they brought back and handed over to the infantry.’

Corporal Hunter was serving in Tank F.31. “Fearnought” during the epic action at Cambrai. The following information relating to this tank’s exploits on 20 and 27 November 1917 are extracted from The War History of The Sixth Tank Battalion :

20 November 1917: ‘Owing to fascine chain being shot away soon after starting, a short delay occurred to clear. On approaching the German front line the tank was heavily fired on by two machine-guns, one of which was at once knocked out by 6-pounder and the other crushed. At the main Hindenburg Line it took over the infantry waiting for Tank F.26 (autovac trouble). It left the infantry going up a communication trench and dealt with the hutments on the Le Pave Road. ‘Mopping up’ towards Bleak House it captured a machine-gun, and about 70-80 Germans, and handed them over to the 35th Brigade. Later five more prisoners were taken. It rallied about 11:45 a.m., and No. 10 Section commander was wounded by a sniper when getting out of the tank.’

27 November 1917: ‘Proceeded with infantry into the village. Sometime after a direct hit was received which wounded two of the crew, who were taken prisoners by the enemy, and dressed. They later escaped, and reported at the time the tank was struck they were surrounded by enemy, and that the officer was undoubtedly killed. No details are available, as both men were badly wounded and have been evacuated.’

The award of the M.M. and Bar to Sergeant Hunter is unique to the 6th Battalion, Tank Corps.