We extend our heartfelt thanks to the White Hart Hotel in Lincoln for choosing Care after Combat as their charity for the unveiling of their World Origin Award celebration.
The White Hart Hotel was recently awarded World Origin Site status for its unique role in the conception of the tank in 1915. This rigorous certification recognises the hotel’s Tank Room (registered site WOS00116) as the historic location where the idea for the world’s first armoured fighting vehicle was developed during secret meetings between William Tritton and Walter Wilson in the summer of 1915.
These meetings led to discussions about an armed and armoured land attack vehicle, which they code-named ‘tank’. The concepts developed in this room ultimately led to the production of the first tank prototype, Little Willie, and subsequently, hundreds of tanks were built in Lincoln.
On Tuesday, 9th September 2025, a special blue plaque was unveiled at 11am by television personality Guy Martin, who brought his full-size replica WWI tank, Deborah II, on loan from the Norfolk Tank Museum for the occasion. The unveiling marked the 110th anniversary of this significant military innovation.
The day concluded with a celebratory dinner, with donations from every ticket sold supporting Care after Combat’s work with veterans. We’re honoured to have been part of this historic commemoration that celebrates both military innovation and ongoing support for those who have served.
The recognition of the White Hart’s Tank Room as a World Origin Site preserves an important piece of military history, and we are thrilled that we were able to be a part of that.