27th September 1918 100 years ago today.
It was while making this model, back when it was first released by in 2014, that I learnt a relation of mine, Charles Edward Shawyer had been killed in 1918 whilst serving with the 11th Tank Battalion.
After a search on the internet I came across the engagement I believe he was killed in. The Battle of Canal Du Nord. 27th September 1918. I've posted a few photos outlining the action on that day in which the 11th Tank Battalion were involved.
Casualties: 1 officer (2Lt Gallsworthy E ) and 2 other ranks killed, 5 officers and 26 other ranks wounded, 2 officers wounded but remained on duty, 7 other ranks missing.
As he doesn't appear to have a grave, I assume he is one of the 7 other ranks missing.
That's about all I know about this young man, who like so many other young men of all nations, died for his country
The model is the Tamiya 1/35th British WW1 Mk. IV Male (not a Mk.V that were in action on the 27th). The kit came with a single motor which propels the model along at a scale speed of 6 mph. Tamiya paint was used for all the main components, except for the tracks and metal section of the undiching beam, which were painted with Humbrol metalcote.
The poppy used in the photograph is one of the 888,246 ceramic poppies from The Tower Of London art installation unveiled in 2014 called, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red.
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Very meaningful. Thanks for this.
Thank you Tom. Much appreciated.
What a fitting and powerful tribute. “Lest we forget”.
Thank you David.
Excellent! It sounds like quite a desperate battle. 10 of 12 tanks knocked out or ditched. Those are terrible odds for the crew inside.
Beautifully done and a wonderful tribute to your relative & the brave men who were with him.
Thanks for sharing your story & the photos.
Many Thanks Jeff
A nice remembrance Julian, a reminder of the tough fighting right up to the armistice.
Thank you David. Yes, the end was almost in sight.
A nice presentation, sir...thanks.
Thank you sir.
Very nice Julian. A great job on the tank (who doesn't love these early brutes?), and a fitting tribute.
Many thanks Greg.
Echoing everyone else, nicely done.
WWI history for my own family included my paternal grandfather serving in an American artiliiery unit. Being Canadian born, he earnied his US citizinship by enlisting in the US Army (where he learned to read). He had been injured in a gas attack.
Thank you Michael.
My paternal grandfather was also injured in a gas attack.
Another relation was a regular soldier who died in a gas attack.
I have his service history.
A great tribute, sir. A hundred years ago...
Thank you Robert. A hundred years, I remember people, family and neighbours who had served in the First World War as I'm sure lots of other people do.