WW1 1916 photo British Female Mark I tank ‘C16’ Somme France

$28.00 CAD

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Photo of 2 French solders looked at burned out wreck of British Mark I (Female) tank near Combles (Somme) France. Tank was involved in the Battle of the Somme on September 15th 1916. This was the first WW1 battle to use tanks.

Written on tank ‘Combles 9/10/16’ and ’C16

Female MK1 Tank #510 

15 Sept 1916 – C Company, 3 section, C16, 2Lt Purdy – In action, engaged enemy, immobilised and abandoned. 

https://sites.google.com/site/landships/home/lists/mk-i-tanks/500-575

7,50 x 10 cm

 

The Mark I first saw combat during the Battle of the Somme on 15 September 1916 at Flers-Courcelette. Of the 49 tanks sent, only 32 were fit for action due to mechanical issues. Despite their slow speed and reliability problems, their psychological impact on the enemy and their potential on the battlefield was immediately recognised. They demonstrated the future role of tanks in warfare, but their effectiveness was hindered by mechanical failures and difficult terrain.

The Mark I served as a prototype for future tank designs, leading to more advanced models like the Mark IV and Mark V. However, it remained in service in limited numbers until replaced by these later versions.

WIKIPEDIA