The Mark I entered service in August 1916, and was first used in action on the morning of 15 September 1916 during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, part of the Somme Offensive. Later, subtypes were produced with machine guns only, which were designated "Female", while the original version with the protruding 6-pounder was called "Male". The prototype, named " Mother", mounted a 6-pounder (57 mm) cannon and a Hotchkiss machine gun at each side. Instead, the main armament was arranged in sponsons at the side of the vehicle. Due to the height necessary for this shape, an armed turret would have made the vehicle too tall and unstable. British heavy tanks are distinguished by a rhomboidal shape with a high climbing face of the track, designed to cross the wide and deep trenches prevalent on the battlefields of the Western Front.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |