Note 15 — Chapter II · THE INVENTION OF THE LANDSHIP

This is the first appearance of the word “tank” in the history of the machine. Up to December 1915, the machines now known as “tanks” were, in the experimental stage, called “landships” or “land cruisers,” and also “caterpillar machine-gun destroyers.” On December 24, whilst drafting the above report of the Conference it occurred to Colonel Swinton that the use of the above names would give away a secret which it was important to preserve. After consultation with Lieutenant-Colonel W. Daily-Jones, assistant secretary of the “Committee of Imperial Defence,” the following names were suggested by Colonel Swinton—“cistern,” “reservoir,” and “tank,” all of which were applicable to the steel-like structure of the machines in the earlier stages of manufacture. Because it was less clumsy and monosyllabic the name “tank” was decided on.