![]() 770 on 26 November 1919, Captain Hans Vanaveski was ordered to organize a training unit under the name of Tank Class. According to the Commander-in-Chief's daily order nr. This action brought four Mark V and two Renault FT tanks to Estonia. During the dissolution of the Northwestern Army, the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Johan Laidoner received permission to take custody of the Northwestern Army's tanks. An unexpected opportunity to obtain such tanks came when the Northwestern Army under Yudenich was overpowered by the Soviets and retreated towards Estonia. Although Estonia previously requested tanks from the Entente, their request was originally refused, as the Allies feared Estonia might be defeated by the Soviets. The first Mark V Composite tanks reached Estonia at the end of 1919. ![]() Several were converted to Hermaphrodites by swapping sponsons to give a single 6-pounder gun and extra machine gun. Four hundred Mk V were built, 200 each of Males and Females. ![]() A second cupola, with hinged sides, was added, towards the rear of the tank, so that the crew could attach the unditching gear without leaving the vehicle. ![]() However, in December 1917, when the desired new engine and transmission became available, this design was abandoned and the designation switched to an improved version of the Mark IV, in fact a Mark IV as it was originally intended: more power (150 bhp) with a new Ricardo engine, improved steering mechanism and epicyclical transmission, only one driver was needed. The Mark V was intended to be built as completely new design. ![]()
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