Weird tanks

Since the first tanks rolled into action on the Western Front they have been modified for special roles. One of these, the Mk IV "tadpole," had a lengthened hull and extra armament: a lightweight trench mortar intended to support infantry. It was designed by William Tritton in 1917 and was used by the US 301st Tank Battallion to attack the Hindenberg Line.

This thread is dedicated to all the strange tanks and armored vehicles used during the two World Wars and later

The Tadpole was also capable of carrying a detachment of infantry although its top speed was not much faster than walking pace. The extended hull increased the tank's length by 9ft from 26 to 34ft. This rear view shows the mortar that complemented the tank's two 6-pound guns and four Lewis guns

How about a picture Centrix?

This is the Churchill Bobbin Tank, one of the "Funnies" developed for use by the Royal Engineers on D-Day. It could lay a mat enabling troops to cross quicksand, mud, or barbed wire. Its armament was a demolition mortar designed to shatter German bunkers and obstacles like dragons' teeth

The Nazi Sturmtiger was a self-propelled mortar designed to fire rockets at enemy fortifications. Check out the size of its gun

Ya want pics btw... here they are.....enjoy.

I believe that is correct as well. Bunker busters and building demolisher is what it was.. throwing a compacted HE round. Tho if memory serves correct yours were poured and made in a depot near Sheffield. US version were poured in either Watervilet or Anniston.

The Tortoise tank was developed after WW2 to defend Britain from Russian invasion. It was so heavy two trucks were needed to transport it. It consumed a considerable amount of fuel, damaged road-surfaces, and had to ford rivers as bridges would collapse under its weight. As you might imagine, it was not a success and the sole prototype ended up in Bovington Tank Museum

Panzer VIII Maus

Edited by Centrix Vigilis - 21-Aug-2011 at 00:45

Originally posted by Nick1986 The one-man Vezdekhod tank was invented in Russia in 1915. Its design influenced the French Renault tank, although ultimately its inventor was executed by the NKVD for wasting public funds

Hmm, 1915 was before revolution, not to mention that Cheka (later known as NKVD) was created in 1917. And its inventor died in 1941, recived death sentence for alleged espionage. Communists were very proud of this project and their propaganda presented it as first tank in the world.

Edited by Mosquito - 21-Aug-2011 at 20:35