Beamish Collection 163036

In October 1917, the launch of the National War Bonds was inaugurated and Hartlepool asked for a visit of a Tank. On February 4th, 1918, "Nelson" arrived, but arrangements for a warm reception had been in progress for some weeks before and the district thoroughly roused in anticipation of the visit. Thanks largely to the immense energy and enthusiasm of Mayor Edgar, assisted most loyally by all classes of the community, Nelson carried away £2,367,333, or £37 0s 8d per head of the population, and West Hartlepool was thus an easy first in the race. (See picture c Newcastle Chronicle)

See 1919 April 29th under local events below. Presentation was by Major- General E. D. Swinton, C.B., D.S.O., in front of the Municipial Buildings. The tank had been used at Cambrai and carried many scars from this conflict. West Hartlepool Corporation accepted the tank 'Egbert' from the National War Savings Committee.