British Battle Tanks: World War I to 1939

When British soldiers charged across the Somme in September 1916, they were accompanied by a new, revolutionary weapon--the tank. After a stuttering start, armored behemoths such as the Mark IV, Mark V, and Whippet Tank played a crucial role in bringing World War I to an end, but were then inexplicably rejected by their country of origin.Marking the centenary of their battlefield debut, this comprehensive volume traces the design and development of the famous British weapon system, from the initial concept of a steam-powered tank during the Crimean War, to the role the British military played in creating the infamous German Blitzkrieg tactic of World War II. Bolstered by historic photographs and stunning illustrations, author David Fletcher brings us the thrilling history behind British battle tanks.
A highly illustrated history of the development and operation of the first British tanks, published to coincide with the 100th anniversary of their introduction, during World War I.
A highly illustrated history of the development and operation of the first British tanks, published to coincide with the 100th anniversary of their introduction in World War I.When British soldiers charged across the Somme in September 1916 they were accompanied by a new, revolutionary weapon - the tank. After a stuttering start armoured behemoths such as the Mark IV, Mark V and Whippet Tank played a crucial role in bringing World War I to an end, but were then inexplicably rejected by their country of origin.Marking the centenary of their battlefield debut this comprehensive volume traces the design and development of the famous British weapon system, from the initial concept of a steam powered tank during the Crimean War to the role the British military played in creating the infamous German Blitzkrieg tactic of World War II. Bolstered by historic photographs and stunning illustrations, author David Fletcher brings us the thrilling history behind British battle tanks.