Michael Richardson

Michael Richardson

Unlike similar tanks, this one was used at Vimy and Arras. Driving it from Gilesgate Goods Station up the steep banks of the park was not without some considerable difficulty and some damage.

An account in an unidentified newspaper records the procession. Also mentioned is the humour of Bishop Welldon, who said he thought he must have been invited to christen the tank. "I christen this lady tank the Mayoress"

It was probably sent for scrap in 1939-45

Durham County Advertiser 20/06/1919
Durham City – Pictures from the past , Michael F Richardson – ISBN 1 85983 504 X contains a photo of the tank.
Durham – the photographic collection, Michael F Richardson – ISBN 0 75093282 1. P238 contains a photo of the tank next to the tennis courts.
Illustrated Chronicle 18/6/1919 contains photo.

Robert Robinson states (17/10/2010) that this tank is a Mk IV. Only the Mk I and Mk II were available at the time of the battles of Vimy and Arras. The crew that delivered it were trying to enhance the story behind the tank.