Early tanks and Australia

Before the First World War motorised vehicles were still quite unusual: the development of the tank was a huge technological innovation.They were often referred to as “land crabs” or “land ships”. In June 1918 a newly manufactured Mark IV Female tank was brought out to Australia from Glasgow in the UK.

  • How do you think the people of Australia reacted to the new technology? Use the image below to help you answer.

Collection Item C1006528

Accession Number: H19494

A speaker addresses crowds from atop the tank in Sydney, April 1918. The tank toured Australia and was used as a platform to raise funds for the war effort. In Adelaide a competition was held to name the tank, and on Saturday 14 September it was christened “Grit” by Lady Galway, the wife of the South Australian governor.

Collection Item C1301108

Accession Number: RELAWM16782.009.009

This badge was part of the fundraising effort that surrounded the tank “Grit” during its time in South Australia.

  • Why do you think the tank was sent out to Australia? Use the sources above and below to help you.

  • Why do you think people in Australia might have bought badges like these?

The Australian War Memorial has in its collection a scale model of a tracked fighting vehicle dating from before the First World War.

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