NAM.1964-03-21-1

Earthenware model tank associated with the Royal Tank Regiment, 1916 (c). Made by Birks Rawlins and Company Limited (Charlton china), 1916 (c). White glazed with transfer printed overglaze decoration. The acronym ‘HMLS’ on the top of the tank stands for His Majesty’s Land Ship. The tank is numbered ‘130’ and carries the arms of the City of Southampton in colour on the left side. On the right side is an inscription promoting war bonds and commemorating ‘The British Tank successfully used against the Germans. Combles Sep 1916’. The tank is named, ‘Creme de Menthe’ which was a tank that supported the attack on the Courcelette sugar factory on 15 Sep 1916. On 25 Sep 1916 it attacked near Thiepval Chateau where it was disabled. It was subsequently used as a signal station. The actual Tank bank numbered ‘130’ was HMLS Nelson. With printed mark for Birks Rawlins and Company Limited.

Somme, Battle of the, 1916 (World War One, Western Front 1914-1918), Flers Courcelette, Battle of, 1916 (World War One, Western Front 1914-1918)