On the Somme
The first use of tanks in an attack took place on September 13, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme. It was launched by British forces as part of an ongoing attempt to break through German lines at the mid-point of the First World War.
Shrouded in Secrecy
The arrival of the tanks was a closely guarded secret. The name “tank” played a part in this, as the British pretended the large objects being shipped across the Channel were water tanks rather than fighting vehicles. The units driving the tanks were not named as tank divisions or even cavalry, in case this would give the game away.
Encouraging the Troops
Despite this, British commanders wanted to prepare their forces for what was about to happen. On the morning of September 13, a message was relayed to the troops about to take part in the big attack. They were told a new and previously unused weapon was about to be unleashed. They were encouraged to make the most of the advantage this would bring, and advised they could take risks that might not normally be possible.
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