Jamie's strange hobby

Unusual Activities in the name of The Royal British Legion
By Jim Reid the Ex-County Treasurer



This is a project that I first started with my Branch in mind, to enjoy something
better than boring old meetings. Sadly the few soon fell by the wayside as TV was
more appealing.

The aim was to 'SHARE KNOWLEDGE GAINED' in working together on
suitable projects producing large scale models and at the same time providing a
hobby and continued comradeship. Any models when used for display to be for
the assistance of the Poppy Appeal.

My first and only project is the building of a half full-scale model of a First
World War Mark IV tank, based on, where available, the original working
drawings of 1916. Then to use this as an 'eye catching' apparition to draw
attention, engage in conversation and therefore assist in our Poppy Appeal
collecting and for any benevolent method of assisting the Royal British Legion.
The provenance of this Mark IV tank is based on D51, 'Deborah', unearthed in
November 1998 at Flesquieres by Jean-Luc Gibot and Philippe Gorczynski.

D51 took part in the Battle of Cambrai on 20th November 1917 and was
commanded by 2nd Lt Frank Gustave Heap, MC. His citation reads -

"T.2/Lt Heap, Frank Gustave, 'D' Battalion. Awarded M.C. In Cambrai
operations near Flesquieres on November 20, 1917, he fought his tank with
great gallantry and skill, leading infantry on to five objectives. He proceeded
through the village and engaged a battery of enemy field guns from which his
tank received five direct hits, killing four of his crew. Although behind enemy
lines, he collected the remainder of his crew and conducted them in good order
back to our own lines in spite of heavy machine gun and snipers' fire". 



Progress to date - construction of inner and outer hulls for port and starboard.
Production of track rollers and shafts, various minor parts, prefabricating the
track chains. 

My main problem is the production of working drawings although I have had
some assistance from Stanton Branch. I am looking for someone who can find
their way round the old drawings and operate CAD.
Perhaps I will not finish but I will have enjoyed myself trying.

Interestingly I have received help from the County Chairman - Denis
Bloomfield, who travelled to the Tank Museum at Bovingdon and produced a
set of working pictures for me.

His work in progress so far is turning one shaft bearing plate, drilling six holes
(from probably 6000+ needed) and positioning of inner plates.  



Earl Haig required these for 1918 but due to staff shortages and holidays should
be available for Afghanistan 2018!

Update February 2011. Photos of work progress. Looking a bit more like a tank, Jamie says!

Latest images of progress July 2011.