Subject
Great Britain. Army. Royal Tank Corps Books
Best books
J. F. C. (John Frederick Charles) Fuller
Tanks in the Great War, 1914-1918
"Tanks in the Great War, 1914-1918" by J. F. C. Fuller is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the development, deployment, and significance of tanks during World War I, focusing on the British Tank Corps’ innovations and experiences. It likely offers insights on both the technical aspects of tank warfare and the broader implications of this military advancement on the conduct of war. The opening portion of the book introduces the author’s dedication to military innovators, factory workers, and soldiers who contributed to tank development during the Great War. Fuller shares his personal experiences, starting with his first encounter with a tank in August 1916, before later becoming a key figure in the Tank Corps. This introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the origins and evolution of tanks, outlining the challenges and triumphs faced by those involved in their creation and implementation in warfare. Fuller's reflections hint at a narrative that balances technical analysis with personal anecdotes, aiming to connect the reader with the historical significance of the tank as a revolutionary military invention.
Clough Williams-Ellis
The Tank Corps
"The Tank Corps" by Major Clough Williams-Ellis and Amabel Williams-Ellis is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work provides a detailed examination of the development and operational deployment of the Tank Corps during World War I, emphasizing the tactical evolution of tank warfare and the experiences of the personnel involved. The authors aim to illustrate the challenges and innovations that came with creating this new military unit, spotlighting the dedication and courage required to overcome obstacles in both production and combat. At the start of the narrative, it is established that the Tanks had an impressive yet tumultuous origin, shaped by various inventors, engineers, and military strategists. The opening chapters detail the conception of the tank idea, the influential personalities behind its development, and the rigorous training protocols established for tank crews. The work addresses the initial skepticism faced by tank proponents and recounts the transformation from concept to battlefield reality, underscoring how these machines became integral to the strategy of trench warfare as the war progressed. The authors set the stage for understanding how this innovation altered the landscape of battle and the dynamics of warfare.
William Henry Lowe Watson
A Company of Tanks
"A Company of Tanks" by Major W. H. L. Watson is a military memoir written in the early 20th century. This work provides an insightful account of tank warfare during World War I, particularly focusing on the actions and experiences of the Tank Corps and its crews. The narrative revolves around the major battles faced by the author and his unit, highlighting the challenges of training, mechanical failures, and the chaotic nature of warfare. The opening of the memoir vividly sets the stage by introducing the backdrop of the Western Front, specifically the XIth Corps area between October and December 1916. Watson describes life in the small village of Locon, illustrating the contrast between the peace of village life and the distant sounds of war. The opening section provides rich details of both the mundane and the extraordinary aspects of military life, from social interactions with the villagers to the impending introduction of tanks as new weapons of war. As the author transitions from his role with the Cyclist Battalion to commanding a tank company, readers encounter the anticipation and tension surrounding the emergence of tanks in the battlefield, ultimately foreshadowing the trials and tribulations that will come with their deployment.
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