I am trying to sort out the history of MK V 9136 but need help interpreting details.
As I understand it, 9136 was originally an 8th Battalion B Co tank. Its engine was seized, so it was unable to entrain on August 29.
By September 27, it had been assigned to the 301st Tank Bn. Co. C. (U.S -- Possibly as early as September 4). Lieutenant Oscar O'Kane commanded it when they went into action on September 29.
O'Kane and one other crew member were killed when 9136 sustained a direct hit that "completely wrecked it" according to the company's commander, Capt. Ralph de P. Clarke [Pershing's Tankers, p. 172]. In R d. P. Clarke's Personal Narrative, Bovington Tank Museum, Capt. Clarke described it as "completely blown apart."
So, by the end of September, it seems 9136 is completely out of service.
BUT, it shows up in a photo at Camp Meade, Maryland, in 1919 as a Company C, 301st Tank Bn vehicle (pictured on page 28, Organization and Markings of United States Armored Units 1918-1941 by Charles Lemons). I also have a snapshot of 9136 in my own collection that was taken in the United States (attached).
Anecdotal information (unverified) implies that it may have had "OH HELL" painted on the front of the vehicle.
Interestingly, by October 8, 1918, Lt. Logan wrote that he "drew a reserve tank with a new crew..." It was named, "O'HELL" [Pershing's Tankers, p. 178]. His tank, 9088, had been knocked out of action on September 29.
I wonder if 9136 had been recovered and repaired after September 29? By the end of the war, it was apparently be fit enough to be sent to the United States.
My QUESTIONS are:
*When and what unit recovered the 301st? Was it the 306th Repair & Salvage Company under Captain Bull? *Was 9136 it back into service before the end of the War, perhaps as early as October 8?
Thanks for considering.
John
-- Edited by jagjetta on Tuesday 24th of December 2019 05:05:06 PM
-- Edited by jagjetta on Tuesday 24th of December 2019 05:06:43 PM
