BRITISH TANKS CRIPPLE GERMAN TANK & DRIVE OFF TWO MORE
Villers-Bretomex, France (JFK+50) On April 24, 1918, the first tank versus tank* battle took place between three British Mark IVs** and three German A7Vs.***
One German tank was knocked out with five crewmen killed; the other two A7Vs withdrew. British tanks also suffered damage. Armor-piercing bullets were used.
*The first tanks manufactured by the British Royal Navy & French auto makers were so-named to deceive the Germans into believing they were water carriers bound for the Middle-Eastern theater of WWI.
**Mark IVs were introduced in 1917. 1220 were built. Each weighed 29 tons & could accommodate a crew of eight. Speed was 4 mph with a range of 35 miles.
***A7Vs were introduced in 1918. 20 were built. Each weighed 33 tons & could accommodate a crew of eighteen. Speed was 4 mph with a range up to 50 miles.
SOURCE
"April 24 1918--The First Tank Vs Tank Battle!" by Aloysius Fox, April 24, 2015, www.thepandorasociety.com/
Villers-Bretomex, France (JFK+50) On April 24, 1918, the first tank versus tank* battle took place between three British Mark IVs** and three German A7Vs.***
One German tank was knocked out with five crewmen killed; the other two A7Vs withdrew. British tanks also suffered damage. Armor-piercing bullets were used.
*The first tanks manufactured by the British Royal Navy & French auto makers were so-named to deceive the Germans into believing they were water carriers bound for the Middle-Eastern theater of WWI.
**Mark IVs were introduced in 1917. 1220 were built. Each weighed 29 tons & could accommodate a crew of eight. Speed was 4 mph with a range of 35 miles.
***A7Vs were introduced in 1918. 20 were built. Each weighed 33 tons & could accommodate a crew of eighteen. Speed was 4 mph with a range up to 50 miles.
SOURCE
"April 24 1918--The First Tank Vs Tank Battle!" by Aloysius Fox, April 24, 2015, www.thepandorasociety.com/
German A7V "Mephisto"
Photo by Skyring
Australian War Museum
British Mark IV "Tadpole"
Imperial War Museum
