![]() ![]() The Mark II version of the tank was intended to be used for training purposes. The success was obvious though, the landtank was clearly a weapon with potential. Terrain, limited support, ammunition and range proved to be limiting factors. They were unable to sustain the attack though. An advance of 5 miles was achieved as the tanks were able to penetrate into fortified positions. 21 Mark I tanks were used in this advance. Known as Big Willy (and sometimes Centipede) it first saw action at the Battle of Flers, part of the Somme Campaign of 1916. It was this design, the Mark I tank, that was the first to be used in combat. While trials of Little Willy were ongoing the designers worked on optimising the tank. As a prototype it worked in terms of highlighting the key areas that needed addressing but the design itself was some way from being ideal for a battle ready tank. In tests it struggled with a variety of features of trench systems. ![]() It wasn’t as fast as required and needed six men, not two as requested, to man all of the steering and weapons on board. Little Willy was the first tank produced as a result of the trials approved by Government. Resistance to small arms fire was essential. It had to have a range of 20 miles, be capable of climbing 5 feet and able to traverse a 5 foot wide trench. The Landship as it was initially called would be produced to a minimum battlefield specification. The British developed a tank after demonstrations of a prototype to members of the Cabinet, including David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill. Related content: Development of New Weapons in the First World War The First Tank: “Little Willy” It had become a key feature of assaults by the end of the fighting on the Western Front and was one of the reasons why the Allies were able to secure victories on the battlefield. From 1915 to the end of the First World War the tank was developed by both the Allies and Central Powers. They were plagued by many problems though, being slow and unable to sustain assaults. ![]() These early models caused panic among the enemy when first deployed. The First Tanks used on the battlefield of the First World War were British. ![]()
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