‘Waddling monsters’ thrill crowds after fighting on the Front
on JUnE 8, 1918, the residents of aberdare gave a hearty welcome to “Julian the Tank” after it had a “rough time” fighting during the Great War.
First used in the Somme in 1916 and considered a key element in Britain’s success in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917, these machines of war caught the public’s imagination.
They are recognised as helping turn the tide on the Western Front in favour of the Western allies and hastened the end of World War I.
as a result of their popularity among those back home, a number of tanks toured towns and cities across Britain to raise funds for the war effort, with hundreds and thousands of pounds donated at events to welcome the machines.
The aberdare Leader reported: “Whether he be appealing for funds or fighting with the boys at the front, ‘Julian the Tank’ is not likely to forget the people of the aberdare district.
“during his two days’ campaign in the town he made battalions of friends, who loved to look at the traces in his rugged appearance of the rough time which he had had in hunting down the enemy.
“not only, however, did he win their admiration for his prowess on the battlefield, but he also won their pockets to the extent of £270,000.”
It added: “a varied programme has rendered from the Tank during the two days.
“In addition to speeches by Mr CB Stanton MP, the high Constable and others, Miss hilda davies was especially popular with her harp solos, and Miss Jones of Cwmaman delighted the vast audiences with her penillion singing.
“Master Manley (champion cornet soloist) generously gave a number of selections at intervals, and Mr arthur norton, manager of the aberaman Grand Theatre, provided a party of artistes.
“Messrs W Gwynne and W Lewis (Eryr Llwyd), rendered vocal items.
“altogether a versatile display of talent.
“It was about 9.30 on Saturday night when ‘Julian’ took his leave for the Taff Vale Station en route for Merthyr...
“his departure was witnessed by a throng computed at anything between 25,000 and 30,000 people.
“In his final address in Victoria Square the highConstable thanked the inhabitants for the decorations which they had displayed.
“he had been assured that ‘Julian’ had not been greeted with a greater show of flags and bunting during his campaign.”
Julian was later welcomed by adoring crowds at newport on June 17, 1918, as the tank was unloaded at newport docks.
an account by the Gwent Western Front association’s Journey’s End project read: “Cheering crowds lined the flag and bunting bedecked streets as a procession led it to the town centre, where a large notice had been erected with a message of support from Lloyd George.
“The procession was led by the band and 60 members of the Monmouthshire Volunteer Regiment.
“a special welcome was reserved for a contingent of about 60 wounded soldiers and a group of discharged soldiers.
“They were followed by the Fire Brigade, motor ambulances, nurses, members of the Women’s Land army, munitions workers, Girl Guides, St John ambulance Brigade, Boy Scouts.
“Julian remained in Queen’s Square for a week and a tank office was set up to receive payments for War Savings Certificates.
“With the target for the week set at one million pounds, a special number – newport 1000000 – was allocated for telephone pledges.
“Thousands of children marched into town to visit Julian and have their certificates stamped with a special tank stamp.
“This ambitious target was not quite met, with the final total for the week reaching £855,141.”
The town of Bargoed also gave a “hearty welcome” to another tank called “Egbert”, with donations to the war effort reaching £141,587.
on July 12, 1918, The Monmouth Guardian and Rhymney and Bargoed and Caerphilly observer reported: “When the War Savings Tank “Egbert” left
Bargoed on Saturday and the temporary post office closed, the totals for the two days’ visit realised £141,587, but this figure by no means indicates the aggregate total, as many late subscribers added to the figures on Monday and the following day, with the result that it may be safely computed that over one sixth of a million pounds was accomplished.
“This represents by far the largest total in the Rhymney Valley.
“The quota allocated for the Bargoed district was £80,000 and although it was somewhat disappointing that this was not doubled at the closing hour, there is still much to be thankful for that in a hotbed of rabid Socialism such a substantial sum could be realised.”
The report added: “The tank was cleverly negotiated across the direct angles of the Pengam railway bridge and along the entire route through Gilfach was received with great enthusiasm, mingled with awe as the monster waddled along.
“Bargoed itself never looked better, and seldom have there been a larger gathering in the town than when the huge machine was engineered to its standing place in the centre of hansbury Square.
“Thanks to the untiring energies and clever arrangements of Mr TR Gabe, surveyor to the Gelligaer Council, with the road foreman, Mr agland, ideal arrangements were made for the tank, the speakers, singers, and the travelling post office.”