The Great War saw the introduction of many new things. Not the least of these was the petrol driven machine, which took a prominent part both as a vehicle and as a weapon.
The experience gained has led to a very complete study being made of the part that mechanisation is likely to take in future armed conflicts.
The late war saw gradual development from petrol driven carriers of troops and weapons and eventually the complete weapon–vehicle: the tank. The light motors used in the Palestine Campaign armed with Lewis and Vickers guns were the forerunners of the modern armoured cars.
The wide expanse of territory embraced by the Commonwealth, the sparse population and the difficulties of inter-communication all tend to enhance the value of mechanized engines of war in the land defence of Australia.
Our Army authorities have naturally fully recognised this and the initial steps in mechanisation have been taken.
The following brief history of the first Australian mechanized unit, which operated in the Great War, should prove of interest and will undoubtedly provide ample food for thought for those interested in the subject of mechanized engines of war.
3. Military Order 213 of 1916 granted authority to both raise and despatch the Armoured Car Section for overseas service. This document formally establishes the first armoured unit in the Australian Army (ATM.LCP.Doc.002).