Cambrai Day

[The Tank Museum]

Cambrai Day. Today, The Royal Tank Regiment marks its regimental day – which for RTR servicemen commences with tea laced with rum, served to the men by Officers and Senior NCOs. Every year, Special Order No 6 is read aloud to the troops – click the image below to find out more.

 

FEAR NAUGHT!

OBJECT OF THE WEEK: Special Order Number 6.

 

On the morning of the Battle of Cambrai, the Tank Corps Commanding Officer Lt. Gen Elles issued his `Special Order Number 6`.

 

The handwritten order is probably the most famous order given in the history of The Royal Tank Regiment.

 

In it he explains how at long last the Tank Corps would get the opportunity to operate in good going in the `van of battle`.

 

Earlier in 1917, the Tank Corps had been deployed for operations in the morass of mud and broken ground near Arras and Ypres. The conditions here were far from suitable for the tank and the men of the Corps were becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of opportunities to prove themselves. Some were even beginning to question the future of the tank itself.

 

Cambrai was, therefore, the opportunity they had been waiting for. `Special Order no. 6` was clearly written by a truly enthusiastic commanding officer who recognised that his moment in history had finally arrived.

 

He ended the Order; “I propose leading the attack in the centre division” – something unheard of in modern war.

 

The order is read aloud at Royal Tank Regiment gatherings to mark the anniversary of the battle.

 

This document, from the Museum archive, is one of the original copies made of Elles order, which was duplicated for distribution to the various battalions.

 

 

 

 

[Enigma]

Amazing one of the original duplicates survived.

[Tony B]

Plus I belive the flag Elles caried Brown, Red and Green horizontal stripes. Through the mud and the blood to the green feilds beyond. Still carried on RTR vehicles. Elle's became quite a media star at the time.