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| THE BRITISH WAR MEDAL |
Lt Martin’s British War Medal
which is on display in the Museum’s First World War Hall. |
The British War Medal was issued to all those who fought
in the First World War. The medal pictured here was awarded
to 2nd Lieutenant A. H. Martin of 7th Company C Battalion
Tank Corps, who commanded a tank in the famous Battle of
Cambrai. |
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| 20 November 1917 was a decisive
moment in the history of armoured manoeuvre warfare: The
Battle of Cambrai was the first time that tanks were
used in large numbers and to great effect. Over 300 Allied
tanks and five infantry divisions went into battle against the
Germans. The aim was to breach the “tank-proof” Hindenburg
line. |
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![[image] Tank Museum Photos: 1769/E/4](images/new-images/1769_e_4.jpg)
Tanks of ‘C’ Battalion being
moved by rail for the attack at Cambrai (1769/E/4)
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Unfortunately, Lt Martin was hit in the leg by a bullet during
the fighting. After spending some time recuperating at a
hostel in France, he was shipped back to England. The bullet
was finally removed at King’s College Hospital, London
and is now on display in the Museum.
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![[image] Tank Museum photo 1546/C/2](images/new-images/1546_c_2.jpg)
A knocked-out tank of “C” Battalion
at Cambrai (1546/C/2) |
| The British War Medal was always issued with The
Victory Medal and sometimes with The 1914-18 Star.
Sadly many servicemen were unable to find work after the war
and some were forced to sell their British War Medals for
their silver content. |
![[image] Tank Museum photo 5662/E4](images/new-images/fountaine_notredame_today.jpg)
Fountaine Notre Dame today, where Lt Martin’s
tank was hit (5662/E4) |
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Numbered photos
can be bought from the Tank
Museum Shop
(please note down the number of the photos you are interested
in) |
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