WW1 Tank Crew Abandoned in No Man’s Land (Cross Section)

At the apex of the First World War, technology and innovation often decided the outcome of the many brutal skirmishes witnessed along the Western Front. Tank warfare, in particular, emerged as a field of great interest to the warring powers as they sought for a way to break the deadlock of static, entrenched combat. As the first tank produced and fielded en-masse during the conflict, the British Mark IV Tank would change the state of war forever. This is the true story of one such tank, affectionately nicknamed the ’Fray Bentos.’ Beached before the enemy during the Battle of Passchendaele, the brave crew of the Fray Bentos were forced to endure a 3-day siege - completely cut off from Allied lines. Trapped inside the cramped, smoggy landship, the men desperately fended off multiple ground assaults from their determined German foes. Today, the ’Fray Bentos Boys’ are officially recognised as the most decorated tank crew of WW1 - having participated in the war’s longest tank engagement.