Tank Bullseye tail light : Major Riddell, DSO, 12 Field Company, Australian Engineers

Place Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Amiens Harbonnieres Area, Hamel Area, Cerisy
Accession Number RELAWM00919
Collection type Technology
Object type Technology
Physical description Brass, Glass, Steel
Location Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Western Front 1918: Villers Bretonneaux
Place made United Kingdom, United Kingdom: England, West Midlands, Birmingham
Date made c 1918
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Spherical shaped bullseye tail light, with three set glass discs, one in red and two in amber. The red, bevelled disc is viewed from the rear, with the two amber discs visible from the sides. There is a threaded connection and aperture for the electrical wiring and a mounting bracket fitted for attachment to a Mk 'IV' or Mk 'V' British tank. A small, curved and silver manufacturer's plate is attached. There is also a small circular badge attached which reads 'King of the Road'.

History / Summary

This bullseye light comes from one of three British tanks which supported the 15th Australian Infantry battalion's attack and capture of Cerisy on 8 August 1918. After moving through Cerisy, all three tanks were knocked out by German artillery fire, which was situated on the Chipilly Spur on the opposite bank of the Somme river. The tail light was later retrieved by Major Consett Carre Riddell, 12 Field Company, Australian Engineers.

Riddell was mentioned in despatches for his work at Gallipoli on 10 December 1915 in the preparation of mines and his leadership of the rear parties of Engineers.

He was later metioned in desptaches for his work at Pozieres on 9 August 1916 and awarded the Distinguished Service Order on 25 August 1917 for reconnaissance work near Messines on 7 and 8 June 1917. He returned to Australia on 9 October 1918.