Yes, 2729 was "Caterpillar" but note that 2729 is said in one prime source to be "Goliath". This is an example of historic confusion (2727 was meant). In this case we have other records to rely on, but this goes to demonstrate the point I made elsewhere today that it's no good people just sending in findings to a wiki.
The men surrounding it are French. I don't think there's any evidence that the men on top are anything but British.
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"Sometimes things that are not true are included in Wikipedia. While at first glance that may appear like a very great problem for Wikipedia, in reality is it not. In fact, it's a good thing." - Wikipedia.
Thanks James - I agree with your "men recognition".
Those on the top look like crewmen although they are not wearing puttees or leather gaiters, which would be expected in 1916. None are wearing webbing etc which might put the location well away from the front.
This picture of C17 Campania taken in Autumn 1916 for comparision
Thanks for bringing this photo to our attention, Valeriy; as Stephen mentioned it is not a well known image. The name "Crocodile" suggests that is a C Company tank, but it does not have a grenade roof fitted, as did most of the tanks belonging to that company. Perhaps the photo was taken at the Loop railhead, prior to fitting the roof. (BTW, I was at the Loop yesterday, dodging raindrops. I hope to get to Chimpanzee Valley today, gales permitting!)
Hope the weather has improved - I am between Flers and Courcelette and the forecast in 30% chance of rain......
I have asked the staff at the Tank Museum archives for their opinion about whether it is a Mark I.
As Rhomboid says, not all C Company tanks were fitted with Grenade roofs - they arrived at the Loop on 10 Sep so were not fitted to No 1 Section which departed for Aveluy the following day. We now the names of No 1 Section's tanks (and their spare) and Crocodile was not amongst them. The number of French soldiers could well indicate the photo was taken at the Loop,
In my opinion it's a Mark I. The width of the cab appears to be the full width of the hull, and the rivets along the top edge of the cab roof appear evenly spaced at both ends.
