TANK LORE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 April 1941, Page 6

TANK LORE

PATERNITY OF FORMIDABLE WEAPONS. Tank triumphs have set people discussing again the actual paternity of those formidable weapons. Like many others (writes 8.D., in the “Manchester Guardian”), I had gleaned the impression that Swinton was the inventor. But I have been shown a souvenir card, distributed soon after the Armistice of the last World War at a dinner of the upper ranks of the Designs Branch of the Mechanical Warfare Department, which would seem worthy of being considered authoritative. At all events, it records some interesting facts, and reveals that our present Prime Minister was the first man to authorise the grant of funds for tank-building. Thus: Who “invented” . the first tank?— No one.

Who designed the first tank?—Major Wilson and Sir William Tritton.

Who originated the all-round track? —Major Wilson. Who built the first tank? —Sir William Tritton, at Foster’s, Lincoln. Who authorised the expenditure of public money for the first tanks? —Mr Winston Churchill.

Who suggested the design of the guncarrier? —Major Greg.

What firms first produced tanks in quantities?—Foster’s, of Lincoln, and Metropolitan Company, of.. Birmingham.

When did they first go into action?— September 5, 1916. Who led them, getting 23 out of 28 over the top?—Lieutenant-Colonel Summers, D.S.O. Can there be any finality in design of these land ships?—No more than there can be finality in design of sea ships.