W. Hartlepool WW1
My father, Maurice Arthur (1902-1982), was the son of the GP, W. B. Arthur, in Wingate. He kept a daily diary from 1917 to 1982. There are many entries regarding Hartlepool, WW1 and the Durham Minefields. However, in 1918 he states (040218) "Hartlepool Tank gets £803,421". Then on 090218 he states, "Tank No 130, total to 4 pm. £2,200,000". And there are other references.
These refer to a lot of money in those days. Were they some kind of War Effort? I wonder if any local historian can tell me what these "tanks" were?
roland@rebarthur.f9.co.uk
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RE: RE: W. Hartlepool in The First World War
After the celebrated success of an armoured vehicle breakthrough at the First World War battle of Cambrai in November 1917, the National War Savings Committee decided to exploit public interest in this new weapon and started a ‘Tank Bank’ campaign. A battered tank named ‘Egbert’ was shipped home from the battlefield and installed in Trafalgar Square. People queued to buy war bonds and certificates, specially stamped by young women seated inside the tank. Having proved successful in Trafalgar Square, the campaign was extended and tanks toured the country stopping for a week in various towns and cities. Towns competed to raise the most money per head of poulation. Local celebrities were invited to address crowds from the top of the tank and exhort greater contributions.
See the BBC history page
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwone/gallery_tank_04.shtml
Comment from Ground Engineer on Friday, 3rd July 2009.