The medals of Harold Mortimore, the first man to command a tank in battle, are on display at The Tank Museum to mark 110 years since the first tank battle.
On 15 September 1916, Harold Mortimore, also known as Morty, became the first man to command a tank into battle. At just 25 years old, Morty, his crew, and his tank, Daredevil, began an attack on a German trench system as part of the Battle of Flers-Courcelette.
A second tank was meant to support the assault, but it became ditched before reaching its position, leaving Daredevil to cross no man’s land alone.
Despite the challenges Morty faced, the attack was a remarkable success. As the tank approached the trenches, Morty ordered his 6-pounder guns to open fire. Men of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry followed close behind, advancing with hand grenades and bayonets. Having helped secure the position, Daredevil was struck by a shell and immobilised. Fortunately, the crew escaped unharmed.
Exhibitions Officer, Eleanor Malone, said: “To commemorate 110 years since the first tank battle, we’re delighted to display a number of Morty’s personal items, including his British Legion Lapel Badge.
“Telling the story of the tank and the people who served in them is at the heart of what we do, and we’re honoured to continue sharing Morty’s story more than a century later.”
Morty was also awarded a ‘Mentioned in Dispatches’ oakleaf on his Victory Medal, recognising gallant or meritorious service during the First World War.
Alongside the medals, visitors will also be able to see the first round ever fired from a tank: a 6-pounder projectile fired from Mother, the Mark I prototype.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a weeklong commemoration of the anniversary including talks, tours, and object handling sessions – running between 15-22 September 2026.
