Training up
A Mk 1 during training at Elveden, Suffolk, 1916. NAM 1995-03-91-18
In June 1916 the arrival of the first Mark I tanks enabled the British crews to get to grips with their new machines. Each man learnt his role within the crew, as gunner, loader or driver. They also learnt basic maintenance tasks.
All of this training was done in the strictest secrecy, the men being told to tell civilians in nearby Bury St Edmunds they were working on water cisterns for the Russian Army.
King taken for a ride
On 26 July 1916, King George V (pictured left, NAM 1999-11-149) inspected the tanks at Elveden, and was given a bumpy ride in one. By the end of the month, General Sir Douglas Haig (the Commander in Chief) had decided that the first group of tanks would go to France to assist in the Somme Offensive. This had opened on 1 July 1916.
Off to France
In mid-August 1916, C and D Companies set off for France with their tanks. Known as Operation Alpaca, it was a great success and the tanks arrived safely. After further secret training, well behind the lines, it was decided that the tank would make its debut on the Western Front in support of the 4th Army under General Sir Henry Rawlinson.
C19, ‘Clan Leslie’ prior to the attack. It missed the operation due to a damaged tail assembly. NAM 1952-01-33-55-87
Armoured caterpillars
The force would comprise C and D Sections of the Heavy Section (49 tanks in all) in an attack centred on the village of Flers-Courcellette on 15 September 1916. Amid great secrecy, the tanks were moved up to the line, but their presence could not be hidden from everyone.
On 13 September, Gunner A. Roads of the Royal Garrison Artillery noted: ‘Another “Big Do” being prepared. Saw armoured caterpillars going up to frontline.’
Into battle
To assist the six Divisions involved in the attack, the tanks were broken up into small groups. They would lead the assault, destroying strong-points and allowing the infantry behind to push on and secure their objectives. Prior to Zero Hour on 15 September, the tanks made their way up to the start line. A number failed to reach the start through breakdowns and some were unable to pass beyond it. When the attack commenced, only 15 were able to move into No-Mans Land.
'C19, 'Clan Leslie' with infantry following behind. This tank was commanded by Captain Archie Holford-Walker. NAM 1952-01-33-55-88
Germans shocked
British tanks at Flers, September 1916.
NAM 2001-07-9
These machines made a great impact on the Bavarian troops facing them, many of which were terrified, and a few tanks were able to advance far into the enemy defences.
These were gradually reduced in number by breakdowns and enemy action. Flers was captured, but despite the bravery of the crews, a total breakthrough eluded the tanks.
Aftermath
Despite the shock to the Germans of encountering tanks for the first time, the overall aim of Flers had failed. Some Tank Corps officers later felt that too few tanks, with hastily trained crews, had been thrown into the attack, and the key element of surprise had been wasted. The tank would be used again in November at the Battle of the Ancre on the Somme, and at Arras in the spring of 1917.
A knocked-out British tank, Cambrai, 1917. NAM 1985-08-28
Cambrai and after
It was at Cambrai in November 1917 that tanks were used in massed numbers for the first time. They very nearly achieved the elusive breakthrough.
By 1918, the tank was part of a complex all arms battle-plan, using aircraft, artillery and infantry tactics together to ensure victory.
Lessons learnt?
After World War One, despite a few British thinkers promoting the tactical use of tanks, like Basil Liddell–Hart and J.C. Fuller, it was the Germans who learnt the long-term lessons. They used massed tank formations to great effect during the Blitzkriegs of 1939-41.
A destroyed Mk IV tank at Cambrai, 1917. NAM 1985-08-28
