This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Nick-D (talk | contribs) at 10:28, 9 May 2013 (start). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 10:28, 9 May 2013 by Nick-D (talk | contribs) (start)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)The Australian Army has used several different types of tanks since the 1920s. Throughout this period the Army has primarily been a light infantry force, with its tanks mainly being used to provide direct support to soldiers. During World War II three armoured divisions capable of independent operations were formed, but none were deployed outside Australia. The Australian Army's tanks have seen combat during World War II and the Vietnam War, where they proved successful despite the designs employed being considered obsolete.
The first Australian tanks were a small number of British light tanks were were operated mainly for training purposes during the 1920s and 1930s. From 1942 large numbers of American light and medium tanks were delivered to Australia, along with about XX British Matilda IIs. In addition, 6x Australian-designed Sentinel tanks were delivered to the Army during 1942 and 1943, but the type was never issued to combat units. Following World War II the Army standardised on the British Centurion tank, which remained in service until it was replaced with the German Leopard 1s in the mid-1970s. After a debate on whether the Army should continue to operate tanks, the Australian Government replaced the Leopards with a small fleet of American M1A1 Abrams tanks in from 2006, which remain the Army's only tanks.
References
- Citations
- Works consulted
- Zaloga, Steven J. (2005). M3 Lee/Grant Medium Tank 1941-45. Oxford: Osprey. ISBN 1841768898.
External links
- "Anzac Steel". Paul D. Handel and Brett T. Green.