On September 15, 1916, the first tracked armored vehicles—codenamed tanks—rolled into action at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, marking a pivotal moment in military history. These metal behemoths, manned by soldiers from diverse backgrounds, heralded the formation of the soon-to-be Tank Corps.
Tanks: The First Landships
The concept of an armored fighting vehicle wasn’t new by the time of World War I. Ancient civilizations, particularly the Romans, had used mobile siege towers for assaults. However, these early machines were far removed from modern tanks in both appearance and battlefield role. To find a true predecessor, we must look to the more recent past.
In 1485, Leonardo Da Vinci sketched a design for an armored vehicle. This mechanical wagon, or “car,” was covered by a shell of wood and metal sloped to deflect enemy fire. Despite its ingenuity, Da Vinci’s design was never realized in his time. It took another 400 years for the concept to become practical, long after Da Vinci’s design had become obsolete.
In the early 20th century, several proposals for armored vehicles emerged, but none reached production. The trench warfare of World War I created a stalemate, prompting renewed interest in these machines. British officer Ernest Swinton and others saw the potential of a tracked armored vehicle to break the deadlock. With the support of Winston Churchill, the First Lord of the Admiralty, the Landship Committee was established in February 1915. This led to the creation of “Little Willie,” the world’s first tank prototype, followed by an improved model, “Mother.”
Based on Mother’s design, the first Mark I tanks were produced. Over 150 were ordered, and their designs continued to evolve throughout the war.
Sketches for an armored fighting vehicle by Leonardo Da Vinci, circa 1485 
“Little Willie,” the world’s first tank prototype, 1915 
A British Mark V tank of the Tank Corps, 2nd Battalion, en route to Amiens, 1918 
A British tank training at Bovington Camp, October 1916 
Camouflaged tanks at the Battle of Polygon Wood, September 1917
The Tank Corps
By 1916, the first tankers had their machines but not their name. Initially part of the Machine Gun Corps (MGC), the Heavy Section was formed and later moved to Elveden Camp in Suffolk for training, the world’s first tank training ground. In July 1917, the Heavy Branch became the Tank Corps.
The Tank Corps saw significant action, including the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917, where over 300 tanks participated. Despite initial success, the Corps lost 179 tanks on the first day. The Tank Corps continued to fight until the war’s end, with its final casualty, Major Frederick “Eric” Robinson, on November 4, 1918.
Recruitment and Training
For every soldier in World War I, the experience began with recruitment and training. The Tank Corps was no different. Unlike regular infantry, those joining the Heavy Section faced a mysterious recruitment process, with little information disclosed about their new roles. This secrecy intrigued many, fueling rumors and expectations.
Recruits had various reasons for joining. Second Lieutenant Horace Leslie Birks, for example, joined to avoid marching in France. Others, like Colonel Norman Dillon, sought the protection the tanks offered from the weather. Many mechanically minded recruits, such as Eric Potten, a former railway clerk, were drawn to the technical aspects of the tanks.
Training was intensive and specialized. Early tank crews trained on mock-ups due to a shortage of tanks. These wooden frames, carried by the crew, provided limited practice but were a source of amusement. As the war progressed, training became more thorough, conducted primarily at Bovington Camp, which became the home of the Tank Corps.
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Combat Perceptions
Tankers’ first impressions of their machines varied widely. These bizarre, rhomboidal vehicles, over 26 feet long, fascinated some and terrified others. For instance, budding engineer Daniel Sheryer was so intrigued by tanks that he volunteered for the Tank Corps immediately upon seeing one.
While the British found the tanks curious or humorous, the Germans viewed them with terror. At Flers, the sight of these steel behemoths caused panic, leading many German soldiers to flee. However, fighting inside a tank proved grueling. Crews endured extreme heat, deafening noise, and the constant threat of ricocheting bullets inside the cramped metal boxes. The tanks were also mechanically unreliable, with vulnerabilities that could leave drivers blind.
Life Inside a Tank
Life inside a tank was harsh. The enclosed space, high temperatures, and constant noise were challenging. Crews wore “splatter” masks and helmets to protect themselves from ricochets and shrapnel. Despite these hardships, many tankers developed a deep respect and attachment to their machines. Tank commanders often named their tanks, viewing them as companions.
The camaraderie among tank crews was strong. Living and working closely together fostered deep bonds. Commanders, like Captain Alfred Enoch, developed close affiliations with their men, sometimes breaking military conventions by using first names or providing treats for good performance.
The Legacy of the Tank Corps
The Tank Corps’ legacy extends beyond World War I. The introduction of tanks revolutionized warfare, setting the stage for future armored combat. The experiences and innovations of the Tank Corps laid the groundwork for modern tank warfare.
For more insights into the engineering and history of tanks, visit The Tank Museum or explore Stephen Pope’s “The First Tank Crews.” The Imperial War Museums’ oral history collection also offers a remarkable look into the lives of these pioneering soldiers.
