Tanks used for the first time

On 15 September 1916, for the first time during their offensive on the Somme front, the English use tanks (armoured combat vehicles) to blaze a trail through enemy positions and aid their infantry and cavalry.

© caterham English tank during the battle of Flers-Courcelette, September 1916

Their use was a complete success. Some time will pass before the Germans devise effective tank defence methods (such as flame throwers and barrier trenches). By war’s end in 1918, the British will have produced 5,000 tanks, Germany – lagging considerably behind in development – only 20.