The tank was a British invention, developed in an attempt to end the stalemate of trench warfare. The Mark I tank was first used at Flers-Courcelette on 15 September 1916. There were two types, known as male and female, the key difference being the guns the tank carried. This model of a male Mark I tank has a six-pounder gun on each platform.

Widespread use of the tank by the Allies in 1918 brought about the end of trench warfare as the tank was less susceptible to gas attack as well as rifle and machine gun fire.