Join us as we unveil a new memorial commemorating the first tank, H.M.L.S. Centipede, affectionately known as ‘Mother’, at Hatfield Park, where it underwent its earliest trials.
On 2nd January 1916, Hatfield Park became the setting for a remarkable chapter in military history. Chosen for its varied terrain and privacy, the Park was selected as a testing ground for an entirely new kind of machine and transformed into a recreated battlefield. Weeks later, H.M.L.S. Centipede arrived at Hatfield Park to begin the first tank trials.
One hundred and ten years later, we invite visitors and local residents to join us for the unveiling of a permanent memorial marking Hatfield Park’s role in the development of the tank and its place in Britain’s wartime story.
The memorial will be unveiled by General Sir James Everard and Lord Salisbury.
Attendance is free and all are welcome.
In early 1916, the Park’s landscape was adapted to recreate the challenging conditions of the Western Front. Trenches, parapets, waterlogged ground and barbed wire obstacles were constructed to provide a realistic testing environment.
Official trials began on 2nd February 1916 and were attended by some of the most influential political and military figures of the day, including Lord Kitchener, Arthur Balfour and David Lloyd George. King George V visited Hatfield on 8th February, observing the tank in action and spending time inside the machine itself.
The success of the trials helped demonstrate the military potential of the tank, establishing Hatfield Park’s place in one of the most significant developments of the First World War.
In recognition of the Estate’s contribution, Winston Churchill presented the 4th Marquess of Salisbury with a Mark I tank in 1919. The tank remained at Hatfield Park until 1969, when it was transferred to The Tank Museum at Bovington.
Do you have memories of the tank at Hatfield Park? We’d love to hear them. Share your stories by emailing tankmemorial@hatfieldpark.co.uk.
Tuesday 15th September, 4.15pm to 5pm.
The ceremony will take place at the tank stand near the start of the Woodland Walk within Hatfield Park.
Attendance is free and all are welcome.
Guests arriving by car should enter via George’s Gate for the main visitors’ car park (AL9 5HX). Parking is free of charge.
Image courtesy of The Tank Museum.
