Rare photograph of tank's 1918 visit to Grimsby likely to prompt plenty of interest at Louth auction

 

Flashback to 1918 when Egbert was star attraction on streets of Grimsby

AN historic photograph of a tank, plus crew, which did service in the First World War is set to under the hammer next week.

Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Boston were among the Lincolnshire towns visited by the tank, known as Egbert, to raised funds for the war effort.

A contemporary newspaper report states: "Egbert is not merely a 'show tank' but but one that has done splendid work at the Front. 

"Hundreds, or probably thousands, of folk have marvelled at its wonderful construction, its strange mode of  locomotion, its vicious-looking machine-guns peeping from different parts of its curious 'anatomy' and its battle-scarred appearance."

The report continues with a sad piece of information:

"In its last engagement, Egbert went into action with an officer and four crew.

"Of the gallant little party, four were killed, and it remained for the survivor to bring the tank safely back to the British lines. 

"Its mascot, a French gollywog soldier, is carried on the front the machine. 

"It was indeed a remarkable sight to see the weird engine war amble along on its way. Everyone was amazed at the ease with which the monster travelled, and the manner  by which it was was manipulated by its crew."

The sale is being conducted online and at its premises on Eastgate, Louth, by auctioneers John Taylors, on Tuesday April 16.

Also included in the same lot - number 211 - is other Grimsby- and Cleethorpes-area memorabilia including local postcards and back numbers,  from dates between 1944 and 1969,  of  the Grimsby Evening Telegraph.