Key Facts
- Dates
- 24–27 April 1918
- First tank-vs-tank battle
- 3 German A7Vs vs. 3 British Mark IVs
- German tanks engaged
- 3 A7V tanks
- British tanks engaged
- 3 Mark IV tanks (2 female, 1 male)
- Distance from British hub
- Less than 20 km from key transport hub
- Forces involved
- Australian, British, French (Moroccan division)
Strategic Narrative Overview
Three German A7V tanks clashed with three British Mark IV tanks in the first tank-versus-tank engagement in history. The two female Mark IVs, armed only with machine guns, were damaged and withdrew; the male Mark IV disabled the lead A7V with 6-pounder fire. Whippet light tanks arrived to support the advance before the male was also disabled. A night counter-attack by Australian and British brigades on 24–25 April began to encircle and retake the town.
01 / The Origins
During the German spring offensive of 1918 (Operation Michael), German forces sought to capture Amiens, a critical British transport hub, by advancing through Villers-Bretonneux. The town sat less than 20 km from Amiens and offered a significant tactical advantage. On 24 April 1918, German units—including A7V tanks—attacked the town, aiming to break Allied lines and threaten British logistical infrastructure east of Amiens.
03 / The Outcome
By 25 April, Australian and British forces had recaptured Villers-Bretonneux, and on 26 April the French Moroccan division played a key role in pushing German units back. By 27 April, Allied forces had nearly restored the original front line. The German drive on Amiens was effectively checked, representing the largest and most successful German tank action of the war despite their ultimate tactical defeat at this engagement.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
3 belligerents
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.