On 15 September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme, tanks - one of the decisive weapons of twentieth-century warfare - were sent into action for the first time. In his previous books Trevor Pidgeon, one of the leading authorities on the early tanks, has told the story of that memorable day, but only now has his account of later tank operations during the Somme battle become available. In this, his last work which was completed shortly before he died, he reconstructs the tank actions that took place between late September and November when the Somme offensive was closed down. His account gives a vivid insight into the actions and experiences of the tank crews, and it shows the appalling dangers they faced as they manoeuvred their crude, vulnerable and unreliable machines towards the enemy. His book will be essential reading for anyone who is familiar with his previous studies of the subject and for anyone who wants to follow in the tracks of the tanks as they lumbered across the battlefield nearly 100 years ago.
The authors final work on the history of tanks of The Great War will be essential reading for anyone who is familiar with his previous studies of the subject or who plans to visit the... [read full review]The authors final work on the history of tanks of The Great War will be essential reading for anyone who is familiar with his previous studies of the subject or who plans to visit the Somme and wants to follow in the tracks of those tanks.
PennantI would commend this title unreservedly to students of the First World War; for anyone wishing to follow tank operations on the ground, but yet more. If you wish to see an example of superlative... [read full review]I would commend this title unreservedly to students of the First World War; for anyone wishing to follow tank operations on the ground, but yet more. If you wish to see an example of superlative research, read this book. The study of military history can accomodate the professional academic and the dedicated enthusiast. Mr Pidgeon may have been a so-called 'amateur' but showed a mastery of subject and material which ranks with the professionals.SOFNAM Newsletter Spring 2011
After their first dramatic appearance on the Somme battlefields the surviving Mk I tanks were used in small numbers to support a series of minor operations designed to capture individual German lines or strong points.... [read full review]After their first dramatic appearance on the Somme battlefields the surviving Mk I tanks were used in small numbers to support a series of minor operations designed to capture individual German lines or strong points. This book examines each of those operations, completing a picture of the tank's earliest military operations that was begun in the same author's examination of that first attack.
As the author states in his introduction, this book is probably not for the general reader. It focuses in great detail on some very small scale actions, tracing the actions of individual tanks as they took part in 'penny packet' operations, following the routes taken by each tank, the impact each had on the fighting, and the eventual fate of each tank.
If not the general reader, then who is this book aimed at? Anyone interested in armoured warfare, especially its origins and early battles will find this book very valuable. The same will be true for anyone with an interest in the battle of the Somme - Pidgeon's detailed accounts of these small scale tank battles are a valuable addition to the literature on that great battle. The book should also be of value to anyone tracing ancestors in the tank corps - not because of any inclusive list of personnel, but because of the detailed accounts of the actions they might have been involved in.
This is an impressive piece of work, containing some skilled historical detective work as Pidgeon picks his way through the available evidence to produce his accounts of the first tank battles.History of War Website
In this highly descriptive book, the author has applied his trademark brilliance in bringing the minutest, mostly un-published, facts to paper. For clarity, he tackles each of the dozen or so tank actions; Guedecourt, Martinpuiche,... [read full review]In this highly descriptive book, the author has applied his trademark brilliance in bringing the minutest, mostly un-published, facts to paper. For clarity, he tackles each of the dozen or so tank actions; Guedecourt, Martinpuiche, Le Sars, Thiepval, Ancre, etc separately.
This book, which concentrates on that handful of early machines and young crews struggling to prove themselves in the face of oft-scepticism and daunting odds, fills perfectly the gap in the history of the early tank actions. Trevor Pidgeon's impressive work gives a very detailed and clear insight into the extreme difficulties they faced. Tanks on the Somme is a must for the tank history enthusiast and for the same reasons it will be welcomed and enjoyed by the general Great War reader.Tank Magazine
The First World War continues to hold a fascination for military historians, and the tanks and fighting vehicles are particularly fascinating to some. The new book by Trevor Pidgeon, with foreword by David Fletcher of... [read full review]The First World War continues to hold a fascination for military historians, and the tanks and fighting vehicles are particularly fascinating to some. The new book by Trevor Pidgeon, with foreword by David Fletcher of the Tank Museum, looks at the various actions involving tanks that took place between late September and November 1916 when the Somme offensive was closed down. This account gives a vivid insight into the actions and experiences of the tank crews and it shows the appalling dangers they faced as they manoeuvred their crude, vulnerable and unreliable machines towards the enemy across a battle scarred landscape pock marked with craters left by the constant artillery barrages. While primarily a written account, the book does contain a number of maps, diagrams and photographs to further illustrate these early tank operations on the battlefields of France.Military Machines International - December 2010
On 15 September 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, tanks were sent into action for the first time. In this book the historian Trevor Pidgeon provides a detailed account of tank operations during the... [read full review]On 15 September 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, tanks were sent into action for the first time. In this book the historian Trevor Pidgeon provides a detailed account of tank operations during the second phase of the Battle of the Somme, reconstructing the actions of individual tanks during each engagement. The book also features field walks of the sites of the major tank actions.Britain at War Magazine December 2010
Tanks on the Somme is very much a book for enthusiasts, providing ample detail.
Tracing the role of tanks in Fourth and Reserve Armies during the first phase of the Somme, Tanks on... [read full review]Tanks on the Somme is very much a book for enthusiasts, providing ample detail.
Tracing the role of tanks in Fourth and Reserve Armies during the first phase of the Somme, Tanks on the Somme provides a detailed historical narrative of the battles.Catholic Herald Oct 2010
Register now to post your own review
and get a £1 voucher for every review you submit!
Tank Action in the Great WarB Battalion's Experiences 1917
Our Price: £19.99
About Trevor Pidgeon
After a career in the diplomatic service Trevor Pidgeon devoted much of his time to pioneering research into the Great War, in particular into the development of tanks and the operations of the first tanks on the Western Front. His work lead to several books that were milestones in the field, including his classic study Tanks at Flers: An Account of the First Use of Tanks in War at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, the Somme, 15 September 1916.
Trevor Pidgeon sadly died in 2008 and his last book, Tanks on the Somme, was completed by his friend Dr Graham Keech.
More titles by Trevor Pidgeon
Customers who bought this title also bought...
Hill 60
List Price: £9.95
Our Price: £7.99
Pen & Sword Loyalty Scheme
Register now to take advantage of our new and improved customer loyalty scheme.
The loyalty scheme is our chance to thank you for your continued support and your chance to receive additional money off ALL online purchases with us!
These loyalty discounts are in addition to any other offers on our site – you will still qualify for all of our other discounts, sales and promotions. And best of all, membership is free!
Bronze
All registered website users begin with standard bronze membership - entitling you to enter competitions, receive exclusive offers and sneak preview new titles by receiving our email newsletter.
Silver
Members who have spent over £100 in the last rolling year will gain Silver membership and will automatically receive an additional 5% discount on all online orders.
Gold
Members who have spent over £250 in the last rolling year will gain Gold membership and will automatically receive an additional 10% discount on all online orders.
Platinum
Members who have spent over £400 in the last rolling year will gain Platinum membership and will automatically receive an additional 15% discount on all online orders.
Why not click here to register now for free!
Membership operates on a "rolling year" – to qualify for each membership level you must have spent the minimum amount required over the last 365 days.
