The history of Deborah prior to Cambrai
The tank, manufactured in England, possibly in Birmingham, was in previous action in Flanders.
On 22nd August 1917, Deborah D51, commanded by 2/Lt.George Ranald Macdonald was waiting to go
into action in the area of Poelcapelle when she was hit by a shell on the track. The Commander
was badly wounded and D51 was replaced by another tank for that action and subsequently repaired.
After Flanders the ‘D’ Battalion was sent to the Base Camp in Wailly. On November 6th some tactical
training was carried out with the 51st Highland Division. On November 13th the Battalion entrained
at Beaumetz-les-Loges and arrived at Plateau station the next day. Fascines [large bundle of wood
to assist in trench crossing] were drawn and fitted. On November 18th D51 was entrained at Plateau
and detrained at Ytres and drove to the south edge of Havrincourt Wood and made ready for battle.
Next: Deborah during the Battle of Cambrai