The story of the tank’s role and its modern-day recreation will be told in a Channel Four documentary ‘Guy Martin’s WW1 One Tank’ on the 19th November at 8pm.
The truck mechanic and TV presenter came up with the idea of producing a replica of a 30-tonne Mark IV tank to mark the centenary of a battle in which they were first deployed. He turned to JCB’s engineers and welders to help turn his dream into reality in time for the special anniversary.
The profile parts were cut, rolled and bent into shape at JCB Heavy Products in Uttoxeter before being welded together at JCB’s World HQ in Rocester.
The huge team effort ensured the tank was operational and on display in Cambrai, Northern France on Armistice Day on 11th November.
It was at this location, exactly 100 years ago, where the original Mark IV tank helped the Allies on the Western Front to make an unprecedented breakthrough at the Battle of Cambrai.
Mr Martin was given just five months to build an authentic reproduction of the 30-tonne tank from scratch and was quick to call on JCB’s engineering expertise. At more than 26ft long and 10ft wide, the 105 horsepower machine had a top speed of just four mph
He said: “When I first looked at this challenge, I thought ‘This is a big ask. We’re not going to see this happen.’ It is a massive undertaking and JCB was the main reason this was able to happen. They built the main part of the tank, and then the lads at the Norfolk Tank Museum put all the engine together. But JCB’s technology and knowhow was so important.”
JCB www.jcb.co.uk
