later managed to escape and succeeded in regaining our Infantry Outpost Lines.) Although the Crew had in the meantime succeeded in extinguishing the fire, had it not been for Lieut. Sewell’s prompt and gallant action, the imprisoned Crew might have been burnt to death, as they were helpless to extricate themselves without outside assistance. During the whole of this time ‘Whippets’ were being very heavily shelled and the ground swept by machine gun fire at close range. On endeavouring to return to his own Car, Lieut. Sewell was unfortunately hit several times, his body being subsequently found lying beside that of his Driver No. 95674 Gnr. KNOX, W., also killed, just outside their Tank, which at that time was within short range of several machine guns and Infantry pits. Lieut. O.L. REES-WILLIAMS states in his Report: ‘I would like to emphasise the gallant way in which Lieut. Sewell came to our assistance, although enemy machine guns swept the ground. Had it not been for his assistance, I and my Crew would have been unable to get out.’ Although William Knox, Cecil’s driver, is briefly mentioned in the War Diary, some may wonder whether he was attempting to help Cecil, given that he had left the safety of his vehicle. Cecil and William were buried side by side where they fell and were later reburied in 1920 in Vaulx Hill Cemetery, where they remain, still side by side.
WAR DIARY Ist Tank Brigade I have the honour to submit the following report in connection with the action of one Section ‘Whippets’, 3rd.(Light) Tank Battalion, under the command of Lieut. C.H. SEWELL on the afternoon of 29th August 1918, East of FAVREUIL in H. 18., and to recommend the act of Lieut. Sewell as worthy of a posthumous award for extreme gallantry and courage in action under heavy shell and machine gun fire. At about 2pm on the afternoon of 29th August, ‘Whippets’ of the 3rd (Light) Tank Battalion reached the quarry in H.14.d.4.3. acting under instructions received from the NEW ZEALAND division one section of ‘Whippets’ under Lieut. Sewell was ordered forward to clear up the situation on the front of the 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade before FREMICOURT and the
BAPAUME – CAMBRAI road, where the Infantry were reported to be held up by machine gun fire. On reaching the railway line in H.18.c., in advance of our Infantry, enemy batteries and machine guns opened heavy fire on the Car. No. A. 233 commanded by Lieut. O. L. REES- WILLIAMS side-slipped into a deep shell crater and turned completely upside down, catching fire at the same time. plight of Lieut. REES-WILLIAMS’ Car immediately got out of his own ‘Whippet’ and came to the rescue. Unaided with a shovel, he dug an entrance to the door of the cab which was firmly jammed and embedded in the side of the shell hole; forced the door open and liberated the Crew. (The latter under cover of darkness Lieut. Sewell in the ‘Whippet’ (about 70 yards in advance) on seeing the
34
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online