These would have been vulnerable to enemy fire even if they had been armoured. The Mark I had unprotected petrol tanks at the very front in the two track horns on either side of the cab. The new tank’s sponsons folded in for rail transport. Armour was also fitted to the petrol tank. It was still 12mm thick at the front, but now more of the sides were protected by 8mm plate. The improvements included slightly thicker armour. The tank still had no suspension and the engine still filled the tank with heat, exhaust fumes and deafening noise (although a silencer on the roof improved matters outside). This was clearly unsatisfactory, but a new epicyclic gearbox that allowed for a single driver wasn’t ready until March 1917, too late to be fitted to the Mark IV.Ĭonditions for the crew didn’t change either. A number of improvements were implemented but one major disadvantage remained – it still needed four men to drive it. Mechanically the Mark IV was based on the Mark I. ![]() Of this 1015 were fighting tanks – 420 Males (armed with 6 pounder guns and machine guns) and 595 Females (armed solely with machine guns), with the remaining 205 being unarmed Supply Tanks. ![]() The Mark IV stemmed from General Haig’s order for 1000 tanks, placed shortly after their first use in September 1916. This was the first British tank to be produced and used en masse, and the first where the design could incorporate lessons learned in combat. The first Mark IV tanks arrived in France in late April 1917, and were issued to units in May. A brand new Mark IV built at William Beardmore’s in Dalmuir near Glasgow.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |