I'm trying to get information about a tank which was presented to High Wycombe in recognition of the town's efforts with War Savings. I have just been given a photo of the tank which appears to be a female Mark IV tank with the name 'Leprechaun', Number 2334. There also appears to be a large letter 'L' and the begining of a number '3' on the back - although the full number is not visible. Can anyone tell me some detail about the operational history of this tank?
The fate of the tank is outlined in the 'Wycombiensian', the school magazine for the Royal Grammar School outside which the tank was placed some time between January to April 1920:
(Vol. 4, April 1920, page 195) - The Tank, presented to High Wycombe, in consideration of the towns very handsome efforts in connection with the War Savings Associations, has at last arrived, and at present occupies a proud position on a concrete emplacement prepared for it in front of the School. Its imperturbable progress up Amersham Hill took place amidst scenes of "the wildest enthusiasm" the Law cleared a path before it, the Army guided it along that path, and members of the R.G.S. - and others - regarded all the proceedings with the liveliest possible interest and curiosity. It may not be out of place here to mention that the "National" Savings Association is progressing favourably, and that the average amount subscribed per week under the new scheme (scheme 7, to which reference was made in our last number), has been £4. We hope that a great many new members will join next term.
(Vol. 4, July 1921, page 286) - At the last Governors' Meeting it was decided to communicate with the Town Council requesting that the Tank just outside the School might be made less unsightly or removed. (I believe it was painted - the photo appears to pre-date this painting).
(Vol. 7, No.3, September 1930, page 66) – At their meeting on July 17th, the Governors decided that the tank in front of the School should be removed, and the newly-acquired piece of land should be fenced at a later date.
(Vol. 7, No.4, January 1931, page 95) – Visitors to the School will notice that the Tank, one of our land-marks which has rested in front of the School since 1920, has been removed. It was sold for £20 5s. 0d., and this sum has been handed over to the Youens V.C. Memorial Fund.
