Flers 1916

British troops alongside a camouflaged Mark I tank, D-17, which had been ditched just north of Delville Wood, near Flers two days previously. On 15 September tanks had been introduced into battle for the first time. Though many of them failed to make it to the the front line due to mechanical failure, they had an immediate impact, with the 41st Division capturing the village of Flers supported by four tanks, including this one. D-17, christened Dinnaken by its commander, Lt Stuart Hastie, led the advance down Flers High Street until heavy bombardment forced them to turn round. Hastie was awarded the Military Cross

41st Camouflaged Delville Flers Somme

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