The Tank Mark I was the first heavy tank used in combat during World War I. It was based on a prototype vehicle called “Mother,” which was developed from models using the Holt tractor chassis. The main designer behind this innovative vehicle was WG Wilson. After a lot of experimentation and committee work, Wilson came up with the idea of a large, high-track design that became a classic tank silhouette during the war.
The prototype, Mother, was showcased in early 1916, leading to the first production order. In March 1916, a new military branch was created to operate these vehicles, and they were given the code name “tank” to keep their purpose secret. This name stuck, and the first tanks were delivered to the Heavy Section Machine Gun Corps by mid-1916, with each tank crewed by eight soldiers.
The Tank Mark I was a massive vehicle powered by a Daimler engine with 105 horsepower. It featured two continuous tracks shaped like lozenges. Initially, the design included a turret, but it was removed to maintain stability. Instead, the tank was armed with two 6-pounder guns mounted on the sides in structures called sponsons, along with Lewis or Hotchkiss machine guns for additional firepower. The front of the tank also had a machine gun for extra defense. The armor was between 6 to 12 millimeters thick, but bullet splashes could still penetrate the seams, posing a risk to the crew.
The Tank Mark I could cross trenches up to 2.4 meters wide and used twin wheel steering tails for maneuvering. The first tanks were sent to France in mid-1916 and saw action on September 15, 1916, during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette as part of the Somme offensive. Although they made a significant impact, many tanks broke down or got stuck in the mud before reaching the battlefield.
The Mark I came in two main versions: the Mark I Male, equipped with 6-pounder guns for attacking enemy positions, and the Mark I Female, which had larger sponsons with Vickers and Lewis machine guns for fighting infantry. Other versions included the Mark I Tank Tender and the Mark I Wireless Tank. Despite being considered a failure in combat, the Mark I impressed the British military with the potential of tanks, leading to the establishment of the Tank Corps in July 1917.
This article is based on research from the audiobook “The Weapons of World War I: A History of the Guns, Tanks, Artillery, Gas, and Planes Used During the Great War,” narrated by Colin Fluxman. If you’re interested in learning more about World War I weapons, you can explore Audible’s vast library of audiobooks. They offer a 30-day trial membership where you can download your first audiobook for free and keep it forever. Visit audible.com/simplehistory to start your trial. Let us know in the comments what your favorite tank is, and subscribe to our channel for more videos on World War I and tanks.
Imagine you are WG Wilson, the designer of the Tank Mark I. Create a blueprint for your own version of a World War I tank. Consider the challenges faced by the Tank Mark I, such as stability and armor thickness, and think about how you would improve the design. Present your blueprint to the class and explain your design choices.
Form groups of eight, representing the crew of a Tank Mark I. Each member will take on a specific role, such as driver, gunner, or commander. Create a scenario based on the Battle of Flers-Courcelette and role-play how your crew would handle the challenges of navigating the battlefield. Discuss the difficulties faced by the original crews and how teamwork was essential.
Research the different variants of the Tank Mark I, such as the Male and Female versions. Prepare a short presentation on the unique features and purposes of each variant. Highlight how these differences impacted their performance in battle and their legacy in tank development.
Divide into two groups and debate whether the Tank Mark I was a success or a failure. One group will argue that it was a success due to its innovative design and impact on future tank development. The other group will argue that it was a failure due to its performance in battle. Use evidence from the article to support your arguments.
Write a short story from the perspective of a soldier in the Tank Mark I crew during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. Describe the experience of operating the tank, the challenges faced, and the emotions felt during the battle. Share your story with the class and discuss the human aspect of tank warfare.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
—
The Tank Mark I, a heavy tank, was the service model of the prototype vehicle known as “Mother.” This development stemmed from models based on the Holt tractor chassis. WG Wilson was the main designer responsible for the final design of Mother. After extensive committee and experimental work, he conceived the idea of using a large, high-track outline, which became a classic tank design of World War I.
Mother was demonstrated in January and February 1916, leading to the first production order. A separate arm was established in March 1916 to utilize the new vehicle, which was named “tank” as a cover. The name would eventually stick. The first production vehicles were issued to the Heavy Section Machine Gun Corps in mid-1916, and crews of eight were assembled for each tank.
The Tank Mark I was a large and heavy vehicle powered by a Daimler 78.3 kilowatts (105 horsepower) petrol engine within an armored box, featuring two lozenge-shaped continuous tracks. Originally, the tank was intended to have a turret on top, but this would have made the design unstable. Instead, it was equipped with two 6-pounder guns placed in sponsons on each side, along with a Lewis or Hotchkiss machine gun in each sponson and a third machine gun at the front for extra defense. The vehicle was protected by armor plate ranging from 6 to 12 millimeters thick (0.24 to 0.47 inches), riveted to steel joists. However, bullet splash could still penetrate the armored seams and cause casualties.
The Tank Mark I could cross trenches up to 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide, with steering achieved using twin wheel steering tails. As soon as the first tanks appeared in France in mid-1916, they were ordered into action. The first Mark Is went into battle on September 15, 1916, at Flers-Courcelette in an attempt to support the Somme offensive. While the tanks made a significant impact, very few actually got into action, and many broke down or became bogged down in the mud.
The Mark I was produced in two versions: the Mark I Male, equipped with 6-pounder guns for offensive missions, and the Mark I Female, which had larger sponsons and was equipped with Vickers and Lewis machine guns for anti-infantry support. Other variants included the Mark I Tank Tender and the Mark I Wireless Tank. The Tank Mark I made history as the first tank used in combat, though it was considered a failure in terms of action. However, it did impress the British military hierarchy with the potential of tanks and helped establish the Tank Corps in July 1917.
Thank you to Audible for sponsoring this video. They offer a vast library of audiobooks in all genres. This episode on the Tank Mark I was produced with research from the audiobook “The Weapons of World War I: A History of the Guns, Tanks, Artillery, Gas, and Planes Used During the Great War,” narrated by Colin Fluxman. Chapter 4 details the challenging development of the Tank Mark I. Visit audible.com/simplehistory for a 30-day trial membership and download your first audiobook title for free, which you can keep forever, even if you don’t continue past the trial period. Let us know in the comments what your favorite tank is, and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more World War I and tank videos.
—
This version maintains the essential information while removing any informal language and ensuring clarity.
Tank – A heavily armored combat vehicle that moves on tracks and is used in warfare. – During World War I, the tank was introduced as a new weapon to break through enemy lines.
World War I – A global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918, involving many of the world’s great powers. – World War I saw the introduction of new technologies and strategies that changed the nature of warfare.
Prototype – An initial model or version of a device or vehicle from which other forms are developed or copied. – Engineers tested the prototype of the new aircraft to ensure it met all safety and performance standards.
Design – The process of creating plans, drawings, or models to show the look and function of a building, garment, or other object before it is made. – The design of the new bridge incorporated both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
Engine – A machine with moving parts that converts power into motion, often used to drive vehicles or machinery. – The engineers worked tirelessly to improve the engine’s efficiency for better fuel consumption.
Battle – A military fight between groups, often part of a larger war. – The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of World War I, with significant casualties on both sides.
Performance – The manner in which a machine, vehicle, or system functions, especially in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. – The performance of the new fighter jet was impressive, exceeding all expectations during the test flights.
Military – Relating to the armed forces or to soldiers, arms, or war. – The military strategies developed during World War I have been studied extensively by historians and tacticians.
Armor – Protective covering made of metal or other durable material, used in combat to prevent damage from weapons. – The tank’s thick armor allowed it to withstand heavy enemy fire during the battle.
Legacy – Something handed down from an ancestor or from the past, often referring to cultural or historical impact. – The legacy of World War I includes significant changes in political boundaries and international relations.
