Tank

In the autumn of 1914, Lieutenant-Colonel E.D. Swinton suggested the idea of an armoured vehicle to the military authorities at home. It was not until January 1915 when Winston Churchill, then the First Lord of the Admiralty, interested himself in Col. Swinton’s suggestion and the idea of a “land battleship” began to take official form.

The first experimental machine was completed in December 1915 and in March 1916 the headquarters of what was to be known as the Heavy Section Machine Gun Corps was established at Bisley under the command of Col. Swinton. Later this section was moved to Elveden Camp, where six companies of tanks were raised.

Tanks were used for the first time in action on the battlefield of the Somme on 15 September 1916. 36 Mark 1 tanks of C and D Companies arrived on the start line for the renewal of the Somme offensive: this action was later designated as the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. Arguments continue as to whether it would have been better to wait until much larger numbers of tanks were available before they were used in battle. The Heavy Section MGC was redesignated as the Heavy Branch MGC in November 1916. CREDIT: LongTail.co.uk

In WW2 all cavalry regiments were equipped with tanks - so were some infantry battalions - especially the Guards.

Displaying 1 - 7 of 7

Hedley Albert Balls

A Cadet with the Auxiliary Division Royal Irish Constabulary, Hedley died on 5 December 1920, aged 29.Hedley was born at Lowestoft on 3 April 1891, a son of Thomas James and Caroline Elizabeth Balls. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 3 May 1891 and his family lived at 33 London Road. By 1901 they were living at 91 London Road. In 1911 Hedley lived at Browns Fish Depot, Wellington Road, Newmarket, with his brother Charles, and they were both fish and poultry merchants. By 1915 his parents’ home was at 6 The Esplanade, Lowestoft. Tank

Henry Charles Edward Browne

A Trooper with the 48th Regiment, Henry died on 6th September 1944 aged 35. Henry was born at Corton on 7 January 1908, a son of Charles and Nellie Jane Browne. In 1911 his family lived at Bullock Fare Yard, Harleston. Henry’s father died in 1914 and in 1921 Henry. And his mother and siblings, were living with his grandparents, Henry and Jane Smith, at 63 Oxford Road, Lowestoft. Tank

Roger Bunn

A Lieutenant, Roger died on 20th September 1944 at the age of 32. Son of Thomas George and Ellen Bunn of 2 Elm Tree Rd. Carlton Colville Lowestoft Suffolk. Husband of Winifred Bunn of 4 Mill Hill Haverhill.Roger was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette 13 August 1943) for the Middle East. He was a Sergeant, number 406593, at the time. He was also mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 13 January 1944). Military Medal, Tank

Alan Joseph Stevens

A Guardsman with the 4th Battalion, Alan died on the 21st of April 1945 aged 20. Alan was born at Lowestoft in 1925, a son of Alfred James and Louise M. Stevens. In 1939 his family lived at Joycot, Saint Peters Road.Alan served with the 4th Battalion Grenadier Guards. This was a tank battalion armed with Churchill Tanks. Tank

Clifford Reginald Brewster

A Lance Corporal with 47th (Oldham) Regiment, Clifford died on 27th of October 1942 at the age of 35. Clifford was born at Ipswich on 14 July 1907, a son of Herbert Walter and Ethel May Brewster. In 1911 his family lived at 26 Norwich Road, Ipswich. Clifford was educated at Mrs. Goves School, Berners Street, Ipswich. From 16 September 1914 to 24 July 1919 Clifford attended Northgate Grammar School, Ipswich, and was then a pupil at Woodbridge Grammar School. By 1929 Clifford, and his parents, were living at Bridge Street, Loddon. Battle Alamein, Tank

Edward Swan Chilvers

A Private with H Battalion, Edward died on 25th of November 1917 at the age of 21. Edward was born at Kirkley in 1896, a son of Elizabeth Caroline Chilvers. In 1901 he lived with his mother, and grandmother Sarah Chilvers, at 462 London Road. By 1911 he was living with his mother, brother and sister, at 7 Lincoln’s Buildings, and Edward was an apprentice shipwright. Later his family lived at 6 Lincoln’s Buildings. In 1915 Edward’s mother married Thomas Swan and they lived at 10 Strand Street. Pension Record Card, Tank

George Marler

A Colour Sergeant with 4th Bn., George died on 14th of February 1942 at the age of 40. George was born at Shoreditch, London, a son of Herbert Walter and Mary (Polly) Marler. In 1911 his family lived at 16 Welsh Street, Shoreditch. On 21 July 1919 George enlisted in the Machine Gun Corps, at Stratford, London. Prior to this he worked as a plumber's assistant. On 17 March 1922 he transferred to serve with the Royal Tank Corps. George married Rose Annah (Rosannah) Chase at Romney Marsh on 28 February 1924. Fall of Singapore, Tank

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