CHURCHILL REVEALS HISTORY OF TANKS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17705, 27 November 1925, Page 1

CHURCHILL REVEALS HISTORY OF TANKS.

GIVES DRAMATIC EVIDENCE IN COURT ON STRUGGLE FOR SOLUTION OF WAR OFFICE DIFFICULTIES.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.— Aus..and X.Z. Cable Assn. (Received November 27, 9.15 a.m.)

LONDON, November 26. MR WINSTON CHURCHILL, called as a Crown w-itness in Captain Bentley’s tanks claim, detailed the history of armoured cars during the war, when he w-as First Lord of the Admiralty. He told how Admiral Seuter raised a squadron which operated most successfully until checked by the deep ruts made by the Germans. “ We were then faced with the necessity for meeting new obstacles and the idea of vehicles capable of crossing broken country gradually took shape in my mind and in the minds of the officers concerned,” he said. “ I summoned Admiral Bacon and asked him if he could devise a machine which

would cross trenches. Admiral Bacon was familiar with the tractor caterpillar, so I directed him to construct one. He furnished his own design, and I instructed him to proceed with its construction, but other developments supervened, and Admiral Bacon's design failed io pass the rigid War Office test. Later experiments were made with steam rollers, which were coupled together, but these were unsuccessful. Although engaged in other grave duties, this matter constantly engaged my mind, and in January, 1915, I wrote the Prime Minister, suggesting that the idea be developed. This was passed on to Lord Kitchener and then to the MasterGeneral of Ordnance, but nothing resulted. The difficulties in the way of manufacture were most serious and the practical advantages doubtful, so the whole proposal was pigeon-holed. In March. 1915, Sir Eustace H. W. Tennyson-d’Evncourt, K.C.B. (Director of Naval Construction and Chief Technical Adviser to the Admiralty) reported that there were two designs that could be made, one with great wheels, the other based on caterpillar action. I thereupon ordered six of one and twelve of the other. This order was interrupted by the Government's resignation, when a move was made to drop the whole thing. Subsequently, Lord Balfour was able to save the caterpillar machine, which had previously been ordered to be destroyed. This machine is identical with the other tank, and was the prototype of all tanks used during the war.” Mr Churchill said that he did not hear Captain Bentley’s name mentioned in connection with the matter, which Lord Kitchener would almost certainly have mentioned to him (Churchill).

Who invented the tank? is a question that is being revived in tlie High Court, where Mr Justice M'C.ardie is hearing a petition of right on behalf of Captain Bede Bentley, claiming £300,000 from the Crown. Earlier cables stated that counsel for plainliff said that Lord Kitchener, whom plaintiff knew in the Boer War, requested him in October, 1914, to produce an armoured car which would ho independent of roads. Plaintiff suggested a caterpillar with an armoured body. He described a three hours’ after-dinner interview with Kitchener at his house, at which Bentley illustrated the design with rubber bands and pins. Bentley gave evidence that Kitchener, urging him not to take out a patent for the tanks, said: “Beyond anything else we have got to keep tlie thing secret. You can trust me, I will protect your interests.’’ Kitchener added: “Well, Bentley, if it does what yon claim, it will revolutionise warfare.” Sir E. H. W. Tennyson-d’Eyncourl was head of the Admiralty Committee, which produced the. lirst tank. He was appointed vice-president of the Tank Board in 1913, and has been a member of the War Office Tank Committee since the Armistice. He received the thanks of the War Office and Munitions Ministry for the design and construction of tanks.

POISON GAS OFFERED TO BRITAIN BEFORE GERMANY BROKE RULES OF WAR,

Uy Telegraph.—l’rats Assn.—Copyright. -Aus. and X Cable Assn. (Received November 27, 1 1 a.m.) LONDON, November 26. The fact that poison gas was considered by the British before it was used by Germany was revealed by Mr Churchill when giving evidence in Bentley’s case. He said that Lord Dundonald, in September. 1914. unfolded the secret of poison gas which he had offered Cabinet during the Crimean War. The Government called for repo-is, and finally resolved not to use the gas owing to the International Treaty. The fact remained that Britain had the idea a year before Germany.