Warhorse, of flesh and steel

by: Tancred Cassar

Evaluation
Model Nr: 2
Class: Dioramas
Skill: Beginner
Optional Criteria: Narrative Storytelling
Type: Injection Moulded
Manufacturer: Meng Whippet, ICM figure and Tamiya horse
Scale: 1/35
Description: WHIPPET A277 OF X COMPANY
3rd Battalion Tank Corps at Villers-Bretonneux, 24 April 1918

The vignette is inspired from a caption under an illustration of the Whippet in these markings from the book British Battle Tanks WWI to 1939 by David Fletcher on page 116.

During the battle near Cachy on 24 April 1918, Sergeant C. Parrott commanded Whippet A277 as part of X Company, led by Temporary Captain Tommy Price. When German infantry were spotted preparing to attack, Price, who was on horseback, left the tanks hidden with engines running while he scouted ahead. Seeing the open terrain was suitable, he returned on his horse and ordered the tanks to charge through the enemy at full speed. The tanks broke up the German attack.
The letter “P” on the tank stood for Parrott, not Price.

The tank markings are available in the Meng kit but somehow not included as a marking option in the instructions. The scene depicts the transition from flesh to steel warhorse that started during WWI.