Brutinel, a Captain in the French Army Reserve, became a self-made millionaire in Canada prior to the beginning of World War I.

He then travelled to the Autocar Company of Ardmore, Pennsylvania to purchase truck chassis which had a reliable reputation, and which could support the weight of the armour.

The Armoured Autocar weighed 3 tons, had a crew of 8 and had a maximum speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) on roads; its offroad capabilities were limited.

Within the following year, a further 3 batteries named Eaton, Borden and Yukon, were raised with private funding which lead to the establishment of a second unit.

The brigades moved overseas and while there was no mobile role for them in the static fighting of the time, they somehow managed to retain their armoured equipment.

An individual Armoured Autocar carried 2 machine guns, 20,000 rounds of ammunition,[2] extra gasoline and enough food for 14 NCOs and men.

In addition to the armoured vehicles, each brigade also included a Section of motorcycles with 51 scouts who operated as signallers and dispatch riders.

While Brutinel had envisioned the unit spearheading an advance through the enemy lines, they were to ultimately excel in the defensive role by utilizing their firepower and mobility.

[3] Brutinel's Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigades were the world's first specifically designed and equipped armoured units.