The first tanks about to go into action, September 1916

Photograph, World War One, Western Front (1914-1918), 1916.

Despite the original caption to this photograph of Mark I tanks stating that they went into action on 30 June, the first use of tanks on the Western Front actually took place on 15 September 1916. Fifteen tanks took part in an attack centred on the village of Flers-Courcellette on the Somme. The machines made a great impact on the Bavarian troops facing them, many of which were terrified, and a few tanks were able to advance far into the enemy defences. These were gradually reduced in number by breakdowns and enemy action. Flers and Courcelette were captured, but despite the bravery of the crews, a total breakthrough eluded the tanks. The identifier 'C5' on one of the tanks means that it is likely to be male tank number 721, known as 'Crème de Menthe'.

From an album of 284 photographs compiled by 2nd Lieutenant R T Cooper, 16th Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment, 1914-1916.