Anatomy of the Mark IV

Two conservators for the Australian War Memorial remove the left sponson of the British Mark IV female tank nick named "Grit". This is the first time this sort of work has been done on Grit since it was assembled during the First World War.

Narrated by Mike Cecil, Head of Military Heraldry and Technology, Australian War Memorial.

The story of Grit:
The British Mark IV Female Tank Serial 4643 was sent to Australia to assist in raising War Loans, it's first stop was Adelaide in September and after a public naming competition the name 'Grit' was bestowed on the tank by Lady Galway, the wife of the South Australian Governor. The tank then moved onto Melbourne and was exhibited at the Royal Agricultural Show where it was just as popular as it was in Adelaide. In October the tank was railed to Sydney for display. An admission charge of eleven shillings was made for adults and three pence for children. For the sum of ten pound ten shillings a ride around a specially constructed circuit could be purchased and for five pound five shillings the tank could be inspected at close hand. The tank was used in few displays during 1919 and was placed in storage in the Army engineering depot in South Melbourne and later transferred to the Australian War Museum. Eventually Grit was moved to Canberra and is now on display in ANZAC Hall at the Australian War Memorial. The tank was commanded by Captain NL Brown.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Mark
• IV
• Tank
• Australian
• War
• Memorial
• Technology

[imlost19]

I want this guy to narrate my life.

[totoscope]

thank you for sharing!

[greg313662]

Thank you for posting this amazing footage and what a wonderful insight into the complexities involved in working with such precious relics.

As the son of a Vietnam veteran I would like to say that the Australian War Memorial holds a very spiritual place in the hearts of many Australians interested or touched by war.

Keep up the fantastic work and please know that the work of everyone involved with our memorial is appreciated and treasured by many.

[greg313662]

@Dragonslayer26283 I am certainly no expert and from the little I have learned or can assume the War memorial and its storage areas are very closely monitored and controlled environments. Atmospheric moisture or contaminants are virtually eliminated so rust does not have a chance to advance or to take hold. Also in regards the paint looking pretty nice, perhaps the old saying of "they don't make them like they used to" comes into play. The paint is probably lead based!

[greatsharkman]

@Dragonslayer26283 Well then again since the tank hasn't been exposed to water in so long, there wouldn't be any rust on the hinges so the paint o the seems would not have been effected since the tank was being maintained regularly.

[PaintBallKid1996]

@Dragonslayer26283 does it look like it has suspension?

[Dragonslayer26283]

i don't buy the story about the sponson not being off since 1918. Paint looks pretty nice in the seams as it came off.

[holymoly42]

Excellent video. All of the early tank training took place on a private estate just south of Thetford, Suffolk, UK. Initially they were part of the Machine Gun Corps (also known as the Suicde squad). Heroic men for heroic days.

[blidderbla]

roomy :)

[Gaunt]

@TomDonson If you look at it, it could easily be a Land Raider. All you need is a door on both sides behind the sponsons and then take the front and, cut it open, and put hinges on it. Then just for lulz, put turn signals on it.