Light Tank Mark VIA

Location: RAAC Memorial & Army Tank Museum, Puckapunyal, VIC, Australia

Date: April 2011

Main identification points:

  • Mantlet fitting for Vickers, not BESA armament, therefore not VIC.
  • Return roller attached to hull, not forward bogie, so not a straight Mark VI, must be either VIA or VIB.
  • “Easiest” point of difference between Marks VI & VIA versus VIB are the armoured engine louvres – two separate louvres for VI & VIA, and one for the VIB.
  • Octagonal commanders cupola, not round, therefore Mark VIA as opposed to a Mark VIB.

And, of course, the nice close up of the vehicle data plate!!! Continue reading