The Tank Museum has released a new book to mark it’s 100th birthday.
The Tank Museum in 100 Objects is a 216 page, full-colour, hardback book – part of celebrations to mark 100 years of The Tank Museum. Drawing on 20 years’ experience as Curator, David Willey has selected 100 items that define the richness of the Museum’s collection.
David Willey says, “The Tank Museum’s mission has always been to tell the story of tanks and the people that served in them.
“I’ve put together a book detailing some of the finest items in our collection that tell these stories.”
The Tank Museum has amassed over 100,000 collection items since it was founded in 1923.
“Our extensive collection goes much further than just tanks, with medals, uniforms, weapons, photographs and art all playing a huge part in helping our audience to understand the history of tanks and tank warfare”.
Highlights of the book includes Little Audrey, a good luck charm gifted to troop leader, Bill Bellamy, by his girlfriend before deploying to Europe; The Book of Common Prayer, a prayer book owned by tank gunner Henry ‘Archie’ Smith and the Mark I tank, the last remaining Mark I tank to exist.
“Little Audrey was attached to the searchlight on the tank’s turret and quickly became a very important good luck symbol to the whole troop. Unfortunately, Audrey was knocked off the tank as they prepared to go into battle in Holland. Sergeant Bill Pritchard leapt off his tank to rescue Audrey and handed her back. That moment highlighted the importance of her role”.
Alongside the launch of the centenary book, there will be further celebrations throughout 2023 to mark this special year for the Museum. Including a new ‘Tanks in Popular Culture’ exhibition opening in spring 2023.
