The Killen-Strait Armoured Tractor – Britain’s Early Tank Trial Contender

As the First World War dragged into the mud and barbed wire of 1915, the British military found itself searching for a solution to the deadlock of trench warfare. Among the earliest contenders to break this stalemate was a small, unusual machine: the Killen-Strait Armoured Tractor.

Though ultimately sidelined in favor of larger, more capable tanks, this compact vehicle remains a fascinating footnote in the evolution of British armored warfare—and a quiet favorite of the Trench series author for its simplicity and car-like design.

 Background and Purpose
The Killen-Strait tractor was originally developed by the Killen-Walsh Manufacturing Company of the United States and imported to Britain. The British War Office saw its potential in 1915 and conducted trials to assess whether it could cross obstacles such as barbed wire and shell craters.

It was never intended to be a frontline battle tank, but more of a support vehicle—something closer to a lightweight armored tractor or armored car that could operate in relatively open terrain.

Specifications
Weight: ~6 tons

Engine: 25 hp petrol engine

Speed: Approx. 5–6 mph (8–10 km/h)

Crew: 2-3 (driver, commander, gunner)- depending since it was a prototype. An educated speculation if adopted and modified by the King's military

Armament: One .303 Lewis or Vickers machine gun, mounted centrally

Armor: Thin plating, estimated to resist small arms fire only

The vehicle had a tri-track layout, with two forward tracks and a single rear track used for steering—making it relatively agile for its size. However, this also made it unstable on uneven terrain.

 Trials and Performance
The Killen-Strait was demonstrated publicly in 1915, notably at Horse Guards Parade in London, where it succeeded in cutting through barbed wire and maneuvering in tight spaces. It impressed some military officials and even members of the British royal family.

However, it quickly became apparent that while it could handle wire obstacles, it could not cross wide trenches, nor did it have the firepower or armor to survive in the thick of No Man’s Land. In short, it was outmatched by the scale and brutality of trench warfare.

 Legacy and Influence
Though it never saw combat or mass production, the Killen-Strait Armoured Tractor did help shape British understanding of mechanized warfare. It influenced ongoing discussions within the Landships Committee, which would later oversee the development of the Mark I tank in 1916.

In the Trench series, its clean, functional look and small profile made it a design the author quietly admired—something that, if the war had taken a different shape, might have found a support role in a more mobile campaign. But against the trenches of the Western Front, it simply wasn't enough.

In the Historical fictional world of the Trench series, the Regiment of Britannia (R.O.B.)—Britain’s elite fighting force—are the only unit to deploy the Killen-Strait Armoured Tractor. Its rarity and design are honored with its appearance on the cover of Trench 1915: Volume 3. As with other special equipment featured in the series, the reasons for its exclusive use are explored in the story itself, preserving the historical timeline while adding deeper intrigue through the elite unit’s unique operational needs.


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