JOURNAL ARTICLE

INSIDE THE WORLD’S FIRST COMBAT TANK.

  • Published In: How It Works, 2026, n. 214. P. 56 1 of 3

  • Database: Science Reference Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: DUTFIELD, SCOTT 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the British Mark I tank, the world’s first combat tank, which debuted in 1916 during World War I and helped break the stalemate of trench warfare at the Battle of the Somme. The Mark I featured caterpillar tracks, side-mounted guns, and required a crew of up to eight soldiers operating under harsh conditions, including extreme heat and toxic fumes. Despite its innovative design, many Mark I tanks suffered mechanical failures or became stuck in the battlefield terrain. The tank came in two variants: "male" models armed with six-pounder guns and "female" models equipped with machine guns. The Mark I was preceded by the prototype "Little Willie," which influenced its design but lacked mounted weaponry. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:How It Works. 2026/04, Issue 214, p56
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Military History and Science
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:2041-7322
  • Accession Number:192420522
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