Tanks - The Wonder Weapon

These films show the use of the newly invented Mark IV tank. It was probably shot at the Tank Corps Training School at Etaples, France, around 1917.  Notice that the tanks are all unarmed.  The formations are also much closer together than they would be in battle.  

The first tanks were introduced in 1915 but often broke down. The Mark IV version was more reliable and safer for the crew. It proved its worth in battle at Cambrai in November 1917, where 476 were used, many breaking through the German trenches.

Click on the links below to play the clips.

Tanks The Wonder Weapon

A Tank Charge

IWM 337