WW1 western front battle first use tanks9/23/2023 ![]() ![]() "Seven derelicts were visible in front of the line, and two lay behind the first trench. Photos demonstrate that parts of this wreck were removed, probably for ballistic testing (ultimately misleading, since the MkII's were training tanks without case-hardened armour plate). There is some debate as to whether the Germans removed this wreck from the battlefield. Numerous photos show large groups of Germans examining the wreck (which was fairly intact), suggesting that it's location was not in direct view of the Australian lines. Indeed, the Germans appear to have made unsuccessful attempts to destroy this wreck, probably to prevent it being used for artillery registration.Ī male MkII, 799, went off course and was put out of action between the front and second-line German trenches near Queant. The position of this tank was probably too exposed to view from the Australian lines to permit more extensive examination, particularly after the second battle in May. Photographs show the tank being cautiously examined by German officers shortly thereafter. A female tank, 586, was immobilised on the edge of the front Hindenberg line trench, and abandoned in the retirement at the end of the battle. The first British tanks available for detailed examination by the Germans were two MkII machines damaged during the 1st battle of Bullecourt in April 1917. ![]()
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