TIMELINE OF...ANTI-TANK WEAPONS

Over the course of a century, armed forces around the world produce a variety of weapons and devices to counter the evolution of armoured warfare

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15 September 1916

01 ENTER THE TANK

Land warfare changes forever when the British Army deploys the Mk I Tank to fight at the Battle of the Somme. The first tank to go into action, the Mk I and its successors replace cavalry on the battlefield, prompting new measures to counter their significant threat.

1917-18

GERMAN DEVELOPMENTS

To counter Allied tanks during WWI, German forces experiment with grenade bundles and produce the first anti-tank rifles and artillery guns. Obstacles such as widened craters and various infantry tactics are also developed.

1927-29

02 EXPERIMENTAL MECHANISED FORCE

Known as the EMF, this British Army initiative investigates and develops the techniques and equipment required for armoured warfare. The first armoured formation in the world, the EMF sometimes eschews anti-tank obstacles, which the Germans carefully observe.

1929-38 

03 MAGINOT LINE

Constructed on the French side of France's northern and eastern borders, the Maginot Line is a line of concrete fortifications and weapon installations. Its substantial anti-tank defences include obstacles, mines, infantry, guns and bunkers.