GWB-12A
John Jenkins Designs
In 1917 an order of Austin Armoured cars originally destined for the Russian army, became the 17th (Armoured car) Battalion.
Recognizing after the battle of Cambrai that the slow MARK V tanks could break through the fortified German lines, but could not exploit the break-out, the new Whippet Tanks, and the 17th (armoured car) Battalion underwent training to establish how to take advantage of this situation.
During the fighting at Amiens as part of the 5th Australian Division,16 cars were towed in pairs across the trenches and battlefield by tanks, and were then let loose behind the german lines creating havoc around Proyart and Framerville.
The greatest value of these cars was in the spreading of fear and rumor. German troops were reporting a new British tank which could travel 30mph and spout fire in all directions.
It was said that the 16 cars were “worth more than a whole cavalry division.”
At the time of the Battle of Amiens the armoured cars were painted sky blue and khaki, in the hope that they would not show up against the horizon. The 17th Battalion were to be the first British unit to cross the Rhine in 1918.
Additional photo shows the figures with the car for scale purposes only.