theluxordream3

World War 1 in colour (2003)

Part 5

Mayhem on the Eastern Front - Combat on the Eastern Front

Tanks were first used in combat on September 15th 1916,

during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette (part of the wider Battle of the Somme)

The word "tank" was a code name used by the British during development

to keep the weapon secret under the guise of water tanks.

The British Army deployed 49 Mark I tanks.

While the tanks had a devastating psychological effect on German morale

and proved they could cross trenches, they were incredibly slow

and suffered from heavy mechanical unreliability.

Of the vehicles sent to the front, many broke down

Only 32 made it to the starting line,

and just nine managed to engage the enemy lines.

If I'd have see them fist I would have immediately surrendered.

Same applies had I been around to see Hannibal winding his way down from the Alps.

regards

Titus

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