The "Tank Banks" as they were to become known would be delivered by rail then paraded through the town accompanied by a detachment of soldiers and other pieces of military hardware along with the town's local dignitaries.  For days prior to this the proceedings would were well advertised by posters, the press and in some cases by military aircraft dropping flyers advertising the event over the town, all this went to guarantee a huge crowd.


Most people would have no idea what this new "wonder weapon"  looked like even less what it was capable of, so a demonstration of the tank's war winning abilities would be provided to the astounded crowds. The tank then moved on to a prominent public place for a week or so where the sail of war bonds and certificates would commence, often several local young women were recruited to do the actual selling!

"Lend Your Money To Your Country! The soldier does not grudge offering his life to his country. He offers it freely, for his life may be the price of Victory. But Victory cannot be won without money as well as men, and your money is needed. Unlike the soldier, the investor runs no risk."

This was the advertising logo used to sell war bonds and certificates, the treasury needed to raise funds and turning to the public was an obvious solution. Members of the public could purchase war bonds or certificates to lend money to the country for fixed periods of time, in return they would receive 4-5% interest on top of their investment in the future.

Over the top for the last time!
Batley's presentation tank arrives at Wilton Park.

The methods used to sell the war bonds played one towns pride against another by publishing in the press the amount a specific town was "expected" to raise and actively encouraging a sense of competition to see which town or city could raise the most per head.
The overall winner was Hartlepool who rose over £31 per head equivalent to around £1,500 in 2012.