Mark V Tank
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
New Vanguard 178
Author: David Fletcher
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-84908-351-5
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 48
The First World War was the first for many wartime inventions, among them the tank. One of the most successful designs was the British Mark V tank, and this latest title in the Osprey New Vanguard series examines that famous vehicle. The Mark V tank was an evolutionary progression from earlier designs, building on the earlier Mark IV and the issues found in the field.
The book starts with the differences the Mark V had over the Mark IV, then jumps into the crew, what they did, and the conditions inside the tank. The operational record is also covered, both during the First World War and in the post-war period. Follow-on developments are also covered, including the Mark X. Complementing the well-written text are quite a few photographs, as well as some illustrations that help highlight the shape, color, and markings of this interesting tank.
For those interested in early tanks, this is a very good introduction to the Mark V. My thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review copy.