Mark IV Tank

"It was employed to lead infantry across no man's land, smashing a path through barbed wire and trenches."

- R.G. Grant, "Battle", page 288

The Mark IV Tank is one of the most famous tanks of WW1. The British first fielded this Mammoth in the summer of 1917, and it was used throughout the rest of the war. Its most famous engagement was a the battle of Cambrai, where it was used to overcome tough German trenches.

The Mark IV had two forms: a "male" and "Female", the later being smaller and differently armed. These vehicles weighed from 27 tons (Female) to 29 tons, and where 26 feet five inches long. The Male Mark IVs where 13 feet 6 inches wide. The tanks armour measured nearly half an inch, and protected a crew of 8. The "Male" tanks where armed with two QF 6-pounder 6 cwt Hotchkiss guns on their sides, which where 57mm caliber, could achieve 15 rounds/minute (though 10 rounds/minute was more accurate), a muzzle velocity of 1,350 ft/s, and an effective range of 7,300 yards. These guns had 180 HE rounds of ammo with a remainder case. These 6-pounders where powerful enough to penetrate 33mm of armor at 500 yards. Along with these the Mark IV had three .303 Lewis Machine guns (500-600 rpm, Muzzle Velocity 2,440 ft/s, effective range 880 yards, Max range 3,500 yards, 96 rounds, blade and tangent leaf sights). The "Female" Mark IV Tanks where armed with Five .303 Lewis Machine guns.

The operational range of the Mark IV was 35 miles, though there speed was only 4 mph.