Member-only story

Little Willie: The Tank That Changed Warfare

Mark Mitchell

·16.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Little Willie: The First Tank

4 min read · 4 weeks before

812 View Claps

48 Respond

Save

Listen

Little Willie: The First Tank

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11080 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	13 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Little Willie was the first tank ever built. It was developed by the British during World War I and played a key role in the development of armored warfare.

The tank was designed by William Tritton and Walter Gordon Wilson. It was built at the William Foster & Co. factory in Lincoln, England. The tank was named after Winston Churchill, who was then First Lord of the Admiralty.

Little Willie was a large and cumbersome vehicle. It weighed 28 tons and was powered by a 105 horsepower engine. The tank was armed with two 6-pounder guns and four machine guns.

Little Willie was first tested in September 1915. The tank performed well in the tests, but it was clear that it needed to be improved. The tank was too slow and too heavy. It was also difficult to steer and maneuver.

The British made a number of improvements to the tank. They reduced the weight of the tank and made it more powerful. They also improved the steering and maneuverability of the tank.

The improved tank was called the Mark I. The Mark I was the first tank to be used in combat. It was used by the British in the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

The Mark I was a success. It proved that tanks could be used to break through enemy lines and to support infantry. The tank played a key role in the British victory in the Battle of the Somme.

The tank continued to be developed throughout World War I. The British developed a number of new tank models, including the Mark IV and the Mark V. The tank also played a key role in the Allied victory in World War II.

Today, the tank is still an important part of modern warfare. Tanks are used by armies around the world to provide fire support for infantry and to break through enemy lines.

Little Willie's Legacy

Little Willie was the first tank ever built. It was a revolutionary weapon that changed the course of warfare. The tank is still an important part of modern warfare today.

Little Willie's legacy is one of innovation and progress. The tank is a testament to the human ability to overcome challenges and to create new technologies that can change the world.