Tank-on-tank battles in World War I were an incredibly rare occurrence, as tanks were a new and experimental technology during the war. The first tanks were introduced by the British in 1916, and although they had a profound impact on warfare, tank-versus-tank engagements were not a common feature of the conflict. Tanks were initially seen as a way to break the deadlock of trench warfare, allowing armies to overcome barbed wire, trenches, and machine gun positions, but they were still in their infancy during the war.
The earliest tank battles occurred in 1917, particularly during the Battle of Cambrai, a major British offensive in northern France. While this battle is often regarded as one of the first instances of large-scale tank use, it was not characterized by tank-on-tank engagements. Instead, the British used tanks to support infantry and artillery, breaking through the German defenses. However, the Germans were quick to recognize the potential threat posed by tanks and began to develop countermeasures, including anti-tank weapons and improved artillery tactics.
The first significant tank-on-tank battle took place in 1918 during the Battle of Amiens, which saw the British and their allies face off against the Germans. The Germans had developed their own tanks, such as the "Sturmpanzerwagen" (Sturmpanzer), but these were limited in number and not as advanced as the British models. While tank confrontations did occur during the battle, these engagements were limited due to the relatively small number of tanks deployed by both sides.
In summary, while tank-on-tank battles did technically occur in World War I, they were rare and not a central feature of the conflict. Tanks were still in the experimental stages, and their role on the battlefield was more focused on supporting infantry and artillery rather than engaging in direct tank combat, which would become more common in later wars, particularly during World War II.