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About

The Bob Semple Tank is a World War II tank designed by New Zealand Minister of Works Bob Semple. Created as a way to deter a potential Japanese invasion while also using readily available materials, the tank was widely mocked due to its appearance, design flaws, and impracticality, though it has recently received an ironic following on history-related internet circles, with some ironically declaring it the "best tank of WWII."

Origin

The tank was created by New Zealand Minister of Works Bob Semple during World War II. Fearing a Japanese invasion of the country alongside the potential of Great Britain being unable to properly supply them due to the invasion of France in 1940, it was thought that New Zealand could make a tank of their own from widely available supplies and materials, as the country at the time lacked an armored vehicle industry. Using a "tractor-tank" method, it was decided to use a superstructure shell to be bolted onto a tractor base to allow for quick armoring and deployment if it were needed.

The first prototype used a corrugated metal superstructure with manganese plates bolted onto a Caterpillar D8 tractor, which was widely available in the region. To make up for a lack of weapons, the tank was armed with six Bren machine guns, with one in the rear, one in the turret, one on the left and right sides, and two facing the front. The tank used an eight-man crew including one gunman lying on a mattress atop the engine to fire one of the guns.

In total, three prototypes were made. The tanks were widely ridiculed by the public, though Semple defended his design, even stating "I don’t see anyone else coming up with any better ideas." In the end, the tank never saw service and the prototypes were disposed of.

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