THE GERMAN TANKS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14574, 9 April 1918, Page 5

THE GERMAN TANKS.

. ELABORATE CONTRAPTIONS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) (Received April 9, 8.50 a.m.) LONDON, April 8. The -Morning Post correspondent oif the French front gives interesting details of the German tanks used m the present offensive. The Germans modified? the construction and use* of the tanks aftfjr the experience' of the British use. ' They, have greatly increased the s.peed. The Germans have tanks capable ;of five miles an hour over broken ground. The tanks advanco m formations of five, moving zigzag. Special tank schools have been formed m Germany m vast manoeuvre grounds. The tanks ate. torpedo-shaped. Each weigh ten tons. They are- eight yards long, three yards wide, and 2£ yards high. They a\'e. able to turn easily and are completely protected with armor. The * loopholes are impermeable to gas. The tanks, are each fitted! with a 5.5 rapid-firing gun. They are furnished with a periscope, and also fire gas shells. The tank also hat* four machine gun s and flammenwerfer, m case of obstinate resistance the flame projecting sixty yards, produced' by n mixture of tar and carbplineum, "which is sent out by oxygen under pressure. The motor has eight 'cvlindei'H, and is 250 horso power. Tho iSerMonnel consists of two drivers, two gtiriners, four 'machine gunners, ahd h to reserves, under the orders of gunner en'^inPPi' officers. The clothing of the entire- ereu r is fireproof.