Title: Lincoln’s Integral Contribution to Tank Development Honoured with World Origin Site Status
Content:
Today is a noteworthy day in Lincoln’s fascinating history as the birthplace of the tank is recognised with the introduction of a plaque, affirming it as a World Origin Site. A full-sized model of a World War One tank will have a prime location in the centre of Lincoln to commemorate this distinction. The prototype, known as Little Willie, was initially manufactured by Fosters of Lincoln in 1915, and the confidential plans for the armoured combat vehicle were first conceived at the White Hart Hotel in a room which is now titled the Tank Room.
The ceremony of the plaque unveiling will be attended by TV presenter and ex-motorbike racer, Guy Martin, who is set to officially uncover the plaque at the hotel. Martin Wilkie, the founder of World Origin Site, expressed his satisfaction at the acknowledgement of the Tank Room, commenting on its game-changing influence on warfare by ending the trench warfare deadlock. Stephen MacHaye, chair of the Norfolk Tank Museum, made comments about the appropriate nature of the tank’s part in the festivities and conveyed his pride at the delivery of Deborah II to Lincoln, the birthplace of the tank.
Deborah II, a Mark IV tank created by Guy Martin, was initially constructed to honour the Battle of Cambrai in 2017. Despite a previous plan in 2017 to drive it through Lincoln High Street for a Channel 4 documentary was stopped due to safety measures, today’s event highlights Lincoln’s central role to military history.
This article was adapted from original reporting by www.bbc.com for The Lincoln Post.
