A7V

(Wings of the Great War WW10204)

Notes: The German-built A7V tank was built in response to the inaugural British tanks appearing on the Western Front in 1916. Designs for the A7V began that year though it did not see combat until March of 1918. It was the only German tank to see operational service during the Great War - only twenty units were produced - and it was equipped with six 7.92mm MG08 machine guns and a 57mm Maxim-Nordenfelt front-mounted cannon. Ultimately, the A7V was not considered a success as it was sluggish and suffered from frequent mechanical failures. Improved variants in the pre-production stage never had an opportunity to see battle. Mephisto is a German A7V tank captured by Australian and British troops during World War I. One of only 20 built, it is the last surviving example of the first German tank and at present is displayed at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia.