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British-built tank, 1918

Caption: British-built tank, 1918

In 1916, British armoured vehicles codenamed 'tanks' appeared on the battlefields. Two Canadian tank battalions were sent to Britain during the Great War. The 1st Canadian Tank Battalion arrived in June 1918, while the 2nd arrived in October. They were provided with British Mk. V Tanks. Neither unit saw action - they were still training in Britain when the Armistice was signed in November 1918. This photograph may show one of the Canadians' tanks - note the maple leaf and the name 'Toronto' one the front armour. (Private collection)