A REPLICA First World War tank from Dorset used in Steven Spielberg’s film War Horse took up a prominent position by the Cenotaph, as the Royal Tank Regiment marked the centenary of the Battle of Cambrai.

The tank is owned by The Tank Museum at Bovington, which brought the Mark IV replica to London yesterday for the parade, held ahead of the anniversary which is today.

The event saw the Royal Tank Regiment march down Whitehall passing the Cenotaph and a replica of the formidable weapon.

Dorset Echo:

Veterans of the Royal Tank Regiment Association during the parade  Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Lance Corporal Connah Towers stood guard in front of the Mark IV tank as his regiment marked 100 years since the offensive.

During the First World War, 476 British Mark IV tanks broke through enemy lines in Cambrai, north-eastern France, during an offensive which began on November 20, 1917.

Although it was not the first time tanks had been used in battle, the attack, which ended on December 6, it was the first time they were deployed in significant numbers.

L/Corp Towers, 23, said: “It is not often you see a World War One tank in the middle of London – it was quite good, especially when I saw the rest of the regiment march past.”

He said the anniversary of Cambrai “means a lot every year” to those who serve in the Royal Tank Regiment – the oldest unit of its kind in the world.

Following the parade and a short service at the Cenotaph, a wreath was laid at the regiment’s memorial.

Members of the regiment have been at the Bovington museum for the past week learning about the tanks and their use in the First World War.

Curator David Willey said the replica was originally made for and featured in Steven Spielberg’s epic 2011 film War Horse.

He said the important part of the anniversary of Cambrai for them is the emphasis on it being a “British invention to save British soldiers’ lives” and to show the museum’s support for the current regiment.

Mr Willey said: “Cambrai is a battle where it (the tank) proved its worth 100 years ago.

“Over 400 tanks attacked together, we cut a five-mile hole in the German front line – and church bells were rung in Britain for the first time during the war in celebration.”

Visitors to the museum can see the ‘Cambrai Flag’ – made just before the battle and flown from tank commander Hugh Elles’ machine.

A Victoria Cross posthumously awarded to Captain Richard Wain for his brave actions in the battle is now also on display at the museum.

One of the museum’s exhibitions, Warhorse to Horsepower, tells the story of the role of the cavalry in the mud of the Western Front.