A FEW weeks ago, reader Ronald Thomas wondered if anyone remembered the First World War tank that once stood at Link Top.

George Burton, of Lower Howsell Road, has come forward, not only with his memories of the tank, a Mark 5, but with a watercolour sketch (see this week's Malvern Gazette page 12).

It stood on the common - at the top of Moorlands Road and opposite Prestons and the Eversleigh store - between the end of the war in 1918 and some time in the late 20s or early 30s.

"As a boy, I played inside it on many occasions and was fascinated by all its workings, especially its engine," said Mr Burton.

"Although I have drawn a gun poking out of the sponson (gun turret) at the side, I cannot remember one still in place - for safety reasons, probably.

"There were 400 produced by the end of the war and they were in action in many areas during the Somme battles.

"To many people, it seemed too much of a reminder of lost sons during this war and it was decided to scrap it, though at the same time many wished it to be retained as a war memorial.

"Many young lads were sorry to see it go but during the cutting-up by oxy-acetylene flame, we would rush there from school to gather up the ball bearings released to use them for playing marbles - they were that big!"

For the technically-minded, the Mark 5 tank was built by William Foster & Co, weighed 28 or 29 tons and was armed with machine guns and some times a six-pounder gun.

It was manned by a commander, driver and six gunners and its Ricardo six-cylinder 150bhp engine gave it a top speed of 4.6mph and a 45-mile range.