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Tank commander's symbol of courage

September 1, 2016 10:42
01092016 TANK08

ByDaniel Sugarman, Daniel Sugarman

1 min read

A war memento from a Jewish officer who took part in the first battle in which tanks were deployed is to go on display at an event commemorating the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

On September 15, 1916, 40 British Mark I tanks advanced on German lines at the Somme. Lieutenant Basil Henriques, a 26-year-old from East London, was commanding one of them.

The young officer - his regiment's only Jewish soldier - was looking through the tank's periscope when artillery fire shattered the glass prism, sending shards into his face.

The splinters were removed by medics and Sir Basil later had the largest piece set into a ring for his wife, Rose.