World War I Tanks in World War II: A Tale of War Hardware

This article delves into the fascinating story of World War I-era tanks that saw the first real action during their second conflict, World War II. Explore the legacy of the Renault FT-17, the ingenuity behind their repurposing as defensive fortifications, and the unexpected encounters of these obsolete machines in the European and Pacific theaters.

Renault FT-17: From 1917 to 1945

The Renault FT-17, designed and built in 1917, proved less than impressive compared to tanks built in subsequent years. Its design, while innovative for its time, suffered from significant limitations including:

Slowness Poor armor Ineffective weaponry undeniably suited for anti-infantry roles

Despite these shortcomings, the Renault FT-17 enjoyed widespread usage, particularly among German occupational forces in occupied territories. These tanks served primarily for patrolling duties, with little actual combat.

The German Mark IV and Operation Berlin

The mentioned usage of a Mark IV tank during the Battle of Berlin stands as a notable exception, though it saw minimal combat.

At Bovington: A Last Stand for Obsolete Tanks

When World War II erupted, England faced an unprecedented steel shortage. This crisis led to the fate of many of the world’s oldest tanks, including some from the Bovington camp's collection, being in jeopardy of scrap. Inspired by ingenuity, the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR) engineers relocated these tanks to form makeshift "defensive pillboxes." Though these defensive structures did not engage in actual combat, they are now a key attraction in one of the world’s largest tank museums.

Global Deployment of WWI Tanks in World War II

Renault FT-17s and a collection of other WWI tanks saw action in various theaters of World War II:

In France, where they supported infantry operations In Poland, facing the German invasion In Finland, during the Winter War In Greece, where they provided a temporary defense against Axis forces In North Africa, aiding in defensive and offensive operations Towards the end of the war, encountering U.S. forces during the landings of Operation Torch In French possessions in the Pacific, where they had limited impact against Japanese forces

The Germans utilized these tanks alongside a mixture of captured obsolete military vehicles for policing duties in occupied territories. Cases of encounters between Allied forces and FT-17 tanks are documented, with one tank potentially attempting to counterattack British troops holding Pegasus Bridge during D-Day, and others reportedly engaged by Allied troops thereafter.

British WWI Tanks and the Invasion Threat

Britain deployed some of its WWI-era tanks, including 'Little Willie,' the first tank, post-Dunkirk. Although obsolete, they served as deterrents at airfields and during the Battle of Britain. These tanks were only of significant success when facing infantry without antitank weapons. As more modern tanks entered the battlefield, the obsolescence of these older models became more pronounced.

Conclusion

The legacy of World War I tanks in World War II is complex. Though many saw limited or non-combat use, their survival and eventual repurposing highlight both the ingenuity and the necessity for stewardship in wartime resources. Historical records continue to offer insights into the unique roles and unexpected encounters their obsolescence brought to these conflicts.