A7V "Hedi"

[David]

The A7V "Hedi" was not a modified standard production vehicle. It was built AFTER the war, probably using the chassis from a Geländewagen - that fully tracked softskin transport version of the A7V. The lower parts of the vehicle was as per standard, with long mudguards. The superstructure was modified. It had no gun, nor - as far as can be ascertained - any MG positions on the sides. Instead it had two small rotating MG turrets to the front corners, and two to the back corners. Up until now, it has been assumed that "Hedi" was a unique, one-off modification. But now we know that she had at least one mate! As can be seen in this sensational photo. (It was recently found in the personal effects left over by a deceased news-paper man. It is now in the collection of Herr Mario Doherr.) Thus far, nothing is known of when and where. Rainer Strasheim has analyzed it, and states that the tank closest to the camera is "Hedi", also, that one of the soldiers standing near the left side tank seems to wear a collar badge of "Grenzschutz Ost". (Click on the picture to see a larger version of it) The roof was more sloping than the standard A7V roof, the slopes coming from all sides, and meeting in the center, where there was no square driver/commander cupola, but instead two small observation domes. These were probaby too small to be used for driving, so the driver must have been moved to front part of the vehicle instead. (A sort of protruding driver compartment can also be seen there.) It has also been speculated that the body was not made out of armoured plate, but only mild steel. "Hedi" had no external exhaust pipes. The "Hedi" was no Battle Tank proper, but mainly used for what is now called "Urban Pacification". The Year following the end of the War was as we all know very turbulent in Germany, with Revolution, Civil War and Unrest rocking the country. The "Hedi" was used in action in Berlin in 1919, by troops loyal to the Goverment. Where the other "Hedi" (could we call it "Hedi 2"?) was used is still unknown.

Left frontside view. Points of interest here is the top cupolas, which were obviously hinged. Notice also the MG:s protruding from what is thought to be the drivers position. This was probably not ever used in real life . Here you have two similar photos, taken at the same time. Both are a Front Views, showing the tank as it rumbles down a street in Berlin in 1919. Notice the Graffiti, well, markings. In translation: "Armoured Vehicle Detachment" "Goverment Loyal Troops". Notice here the flat top of the cupolas, the shape of the side roof sections, and also the name "Hedi". (To the left the track of a captured Mk IV can be seen.)