Mark IV Tank vs. Mark V Tank

Attribute	Mark IV Tank	Mark V Tank
Manufacturer	British	British
Weight	28 tons	29 tons
Crew	8	8
Armament	57mm gun, 4 x 7.7mm machine guns	57mm gun, 4 x 7.7mm machine guns
Speed	4 mph	4 mph

Introduction

During World War I, tanks played a crucial role in changing the dynamics of warfare. Two of the most prominent tanks used by the British Army were the Mark IV and Mark V tanks. While both tanks were designed to navigate the challenging terrain of the battlefield and provide support to infantry units, they had distinct attributes that set them apart from each other.

Design and Construction

The Mark IV tank was the first British tank to feature a fully rotating turret, allowing for greater flexibility in targeting enemy positions. It had a rhomboid shape with a length of 26 feet and a width of 13 feet. The tank was powered by a Daimler 105hp engine, which gave it a top speed of around 4 mph. In contrast, the Mark V tank was an improved version of the Mark IV, with a length of 26 feet and a width of 12 feet. It was equipped with a more powerful Ricardo 150hp engine, enabling it to reach a top speed of 6 mph.

Armament

The Mark IV tank was armed with a 6-pounder gun and four Hotchkiss machine guns, providing it with the firepower to engage enemy tanks and infantry. It also had a crew of eight members, including a commander, gunner, and driver. On the other hand, the Mark V tank was equipped with two 6-pounder guns and six Hotchkiss machine guns, giving it a slight advantage in terms of firepower. Additionally, the Mark V tank had a crew of nine members, allowing for better coordination and communication during combat operations.

Armor Protection

Both the Mark IV and Mark V tanks had armor plating made of rolled steel, providing protection against small arms fire and shell fragments. The Mark IV tank had a maximum armor thickness of 12mm, while the Mark V tank had an increased armor thickness of 16mm. This additional armor made the Mark V tank more resilient to enemy attacks, reducing the likelihood of critical damage during combat engagements.

Mobility

One of the key differences between the Mark IV and Mark V tanks was their mobility on the battlefield. The Mark IV tank had a longer track length of 23 feet, which allowed it to navigate rough terrain more effectively. However, its slower top speed of 4 mph limited its ability to quickly maneuver on the battlefield. In contrast, the Mark V tank had a shorter track length of 20 feet but a higher top speed of 6 mph, making it more agile and responsive in combat situations.

Combat Performance

Both the Mark IV and Mark V tanks saw action on the Western Front during World War I, where they were used in various offensives and defensive operations. The Mark IV tank proved to be a reliable and effective weapon, providing crucial support to infantry units and breaking through enemy lines. However, its slower speed and limited firepower sometimes hindered its performance in fast-paced combat situations. On the other hand, the Mark V tank demonstrated improved combat performance due to its higher speed and enhanced firepower, allowing it to engage and neutralize enemy targets more effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mark IV and Mark V tanks were both important assets to the British Army during World War I, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. While the Mark IV tank was the first of its kind and laid the foundation for future tank designs, the Mark V tank represented a significant improvement in terms of mobility, firepower, and armor protection. Ultimately, both tanks played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the war and influencing the development of armored warfare in the years to come.