THE arrival of Ulverston’s First World War tank caused quite a stir back in 1920.

A report was carried in the Ulverston News of Saturday, February 28.

It arrived on the Thursday afternoon in recognition of the town’s response to government appeals to invest in War Loans.

The site chosen for it was then called Ellers Square – what became the Tank Square roundabout on the A590 through the centre of town.

It stood in a commanding position on a specially-prepared concrete bed.

The article noted: “The tank, which has been popularly christened ‘The Pride of the West’, weighs 26 tons, is 26ft in length and is technically described as a female tank.

“It has come direct from the front, encrusted with the mud of Flanders, and was in charge of Lt Parker, with a crew of four.

“On the release of the school children, who were assembled in hundreds in the square, the tank, on the stroke of four o’clock, started from the railway station, headed by the town band, Mr Supt Yates and the representatives of the War Savings Association, and followed by a great crowd of townspeople.

“The tank, driven under its own power, proceeded by way of Queen Street and Market Street and the spectators were delighted with the easy manner in which it was slewed round sharp corners and negotiated the narrower part of the route.

“Reaching its destination without the slightest hitch, it quickly climbed the slope and was fixed in position.”

Cllr C. E. Court , chairman of the Ulverston War Savings Association made a speech standing on the top of the tank.

He said: “The monster has arrived.

“It certainly is not a thing of beauty but I would ask you, is an implement of war ever a thing of beauty?

“I want you, the people of Ulverston, to treasure this tank not for what it is but for what it represents.

“It represents to the town and the country at large what the people who were left at home did during the Great War.”

He said the town had raised more than £500,000 towards the war effort.

A First World War tank was only capable of 4mph but could do considerable damage to houses and shops with an unskilled driver.

The article noted: “The magneto was removed from the tank in order to prevent it being moved.”