Landships II

The attached undated report was apparently written up in the summer 1920.  The report as shown is contained in a National Archives file titled [Report on Captured German A7V Tank, "Nixen"].  It should be Nixe II, of course. 

The Ordnance Department had requested in early 1920 that the following tanks be put into good running condition for comparison tests to "... the Christie or other improved types of tanks now being developed.".  The tanks requested to be put into good running condition include; "the Skeleton type of tank, the Mark I Special tank (Ford three man tank Mk I), St. Chamond tank, the Medium Mark A (British Whippet), and the German tank".  They were especially interested in the Mark A British tank and the Mark I Special Tank (Ford three man tank with Hudson motor), since they were the only tanks at APG capable of speeds up to 8 or 9 mph.

In an Ordnance Department letter, dated January 22, 1921, it is reported all are in operating condition except the German tank.  The report attached below details with photographs and descriptions why the heavy WWI 75mm and post WWI 37mm damaged Nixe II could not be made operational.  Hope the detailed shots with graffiti are interesting.  I have also included two contemporary dimensioned side views and a picture of Nixe II being loaded onto a flat car in France (based on the clothes of the workers and bystanders), assumed to be in April of 1919, after turn over to the Americans.  These were contained in the same file.

Sorry for the mediocre quality of the photographs.  They were taken on my last day of five at the archives (just before the pandemic lock down) and they were not part of my targeted research area.

-- Edited by Neal on Wednesday 7th of July 2021 09:25:26 PM

-- Edited by Neal on Wednesday 7th of July 2021 10:41:32 PM