Germany built just 20 A7Vs, based on the Holt tractor. It had a crew of 18, which operated six machine-guns and a 57mm gun. The driver sat at the top and could drive in either direction. It entered service in 1918, but saw less action than Germany’s captured British tanks.
After the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917, the German Army had captured enough British tanks to start their own tank force and by the following spring had a design ready – the A7V.
The name A7V is an abbreviation of the organisation within the German War Department that created it: `Allgemeines Kreigsdepartment 7. Abteilung Verkehrswessen` (General War Department 7 Branch, Transportation.)
The A7V was much better designed than the British type, but totally unsuited to the conditions. With the tracks tucked beneath the body, it could not cross rough ground or trenches which the British tanks were good at.
There is only one surviving genuine A7V left in the world – which is housed at the Queensland Museum, Australia – although the German Panzer Museum also has a very authentic, non-running replica.
The Tank Museum’s A7V Replica
This replica was built by Bob Grundy of Wigan, using modern tractor parts. It has to be driven from the back so the driver can only see where they are going by using a television camera. The body is made of wood and is full size so it gives a good idea of what Germany’s first tank looked like.
