Tank Bank

Tank Banks were developed during WW1 by the National Savings Committee who wished to capitalise on the nation’s interest and enthusiasm for the parade of tanks. The tanks were used to sell War Bonds and War Saving Certificates. This campaign began in London but soon developed into a nationwide programme with tanks visiting all major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow, to name a few.

In Birmingham specifically an estimated £6,703,439 was raised in selling War Bonds and Savings Certificates. The Tank Bank was established at the beginning of 1918 in Victoria Square. The tank was not the only thing drawing the crowds as speeches were made by religious leader, people I civic positions of authority and entertainers to encourage people to aid the war effort.

On the final day of the rallying, Saturday 5th January 1918, the Birmingham Post reported:

There was a scene of great interest at the Tank Bank in the forenoon on yesterday when Birmingham’s fifth V.C. Hero was presented with a framed copy of the resolution of the City Council of November 9 in which it was stated that the Council had heard with pride and satisfaction that the Victoria cross had been bestowed upon Sergeant Alfred Joseph Knight, 2nd Post Office Rifles, a citizen of Birmingham, for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.[Voices of War and Peace]