Channel 4 Specialist Factual commissions Guy Martin's WW1 Tank

22 September 2017

 

North One Television is to make a one off special documentary (1x90 ) that will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai and the first full scale use of tanks in modern war. It will see Guy build a replica Mark IV World War One tank from scratch and drive it down Lincoln High Street as part of the Remembrance Day parade.

Guy Martin wants to make sure the British engineering brilliance, which created the world’s first battle tank, is remembered – particularly as the birthplace of the tank was just a few miles from Guy’s home, in Lincoln.

Guy has only four months to complete the most ambitious build he’s ever attempted. He’ll enlist the help of a team of experts;

• Engineering giant JCB will take on the massive job of recreating the tank’s hull with millimetre perfect precision
• Norfolk Tank Museum owner Stephen Machaye will put together an engine and drive train capable of powering the 27 tonne beast.

• · World class British engineering firm, Chasestead will work on over 360 detailed parts including latches, periscopes and track plates.​

Along the way, Guy will provide a fascinating insight into the history of tanks that will include a visit to the Cambrai battlefield where he meets one of only seven original Mark IV tanks still in existence. He’ll also join the Royal Tank Regiment on manoeuvres on Salisbury Plain and learn what it’s like to work in a modern Challenger 2 Tank. And Guy will need to take his ‘tracked vehicle driving test’ – being assessed on his ability to steer a 10 tonne tank through a small rural village.

The show culminates in Guy and his eight man crew joining the Remembrance Day parade in Lincoln town centre; remembering the men who gave their lives and the amazing machine that played such a pivotal role in ending the horrific slaughter of the First World War.

Commissioning Editor, Sara Ramsden said; ‘Many of these ground breaking tanks were built in Lincoln. Who better to commemorate the engineering brilliance of the people of Lincoln,  than one of Lincolnshire’s favourite sons?.’

NOTES TO EDITOR:

Commissioning Editor: Sara Ramsden

Production Company: North One Television

Director: Ewan Keil

Producer: Tom Norton