The first tanks, Little Willie and Mark I, had proved disappointing but by 1917 saw the development of two successful tanks, the Whippet and Mark V. After the United States entered the war it was suggested that its engineers should join those in Britain to produce a new tank. The result was Mark VIII or Liberty as it was known in America.

The first Mark VIII was ready in the summer of 1918. One new innovation was the separation of the engine from the crew compartment. This reduced the fire risk and helped stop fumes and heat from the engine entering the area where the crew worked. The armour protection was improved and the length increased to combat Germany's decision to construct wider trenches on the Western Front. Weighing 37 tons, the 34 ft. Mark VIII tank could cross a gap of 15 ft. The seven built in Glasgow (the rest were made in France and the United States) were fitted with Rolls-Royce aero engines.