BBC HomeExplore the BBC

11 October 2008
Accessibility help
Text only
World Wars - World War Onebbc.co.uk/history

BBC Homepage

Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!

 

Tank: Life and Times of a 'Wonder Weapon'

By Patrick Wright

Tanks first went into action on the British side during the Battle of the Somme on 15 September 1916. Some broke down or sank into craters and collapsed dug-outs, or their crews became disorientated. But there were also triumphs, such as the tank ‘Dinnaken’, fêted for taking the village of Flers.

The new war machines were the work of practically-minded engineers concerned with restoring mobility to the battlefield. Yet they would also quickly become known for their remarkable psychological impact, a vital aspect of the tank for many decades to come.

Click on an image below to enter the gallery
From science fiction to reality
From science fiction to reality
'Star turn' of the Western Front
'Star turn' of the Western Front
'Tank mania' at home
'Tank mania' at home
Banking on the tank
Banking on the tank
Tanks against civilians
Tanks against civilians
Tanks vs 'people power'
Tanks vs 'people power'
Agents of suppression
Agents of suppression
The future of the tank
The future of the tank

Find out more



About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy
Advertise with us