Ep 4. Tank Battles of the Great War

In episode four of season two of Greatest Tank Battles, viewers are transported back to the time of World War I to witness the Tank Battles of the Great War. The episode covers the tactical and mechanical advancements in tank warfare during this time period and how it impacted the outcome of the war.

The episode starts off with a brief history of the events leading up to the First World War, including the rivalry between the European powers, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the alliances that were formed. Viewers are then introduced to the tanks that were developed during this time period by the British and French armies - the Mark I and the Schneider CA. These primitive tanks were slow, cumbersome and unreliable, but they were the first of its kind and paved the way for future tank deployments.

The episode then moves on to the Battle of Cambrai, which was fought in November 1917 between the British and German forces. The battle was significant as it was the first time tanks were used on a large scale in warfare. The British army deployed a total of 476 tanks for the offensive, which proved to be a major success in terms of gaining ground and breaking through the German lines. However, the victory was short-lived as the tanks were vulnerable to attack from German artillery and infantry.

The Tank Battles of the Great War episode then goes on to cover the impact of tanks on warfare during the war. It explores how tanks were used in subsequent battles and how commanders developed new strategies to use them effectively. The episode also touches on the challenges faced by tank crews, including extremely high temperatures inside the tanks, poor visibility, and the danger of being trapped if the tank overturned.

The episode concludes with the Treaty of Versailles, which brought World War I to an end. Tank development was halted during this time, but the lessons learnt during the Tank Battles of the Great War would be crucial in shaping the future of tank warfare.

Overall, the Tank Battles of the Great War episode is a fascinating look into the early days of tank warfare. The episode expertly combines historical context with detailed analysis of the tank battles themselves, and viewers will be treated to stunning visuals including archival footage of tanks in action. Fans of military history and technology will find this episode captivating, while those looking to learn more about World War I will appreciate the insights presented in the episode.