The first Mark V Composite tanks reached Estonia at the end of 1919. Although Estonia previously requested tanks from the Entente, their request was originally refused, as the Allies feared Estonia might be defeated by the Soviets. An unexpected opportunity to obtain such tanks came when the Northwestern Army under Yudenich was overpowered by the Soviets and retreated towards Estonia. During the dissolution of the Northwestern Army, the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Johan Laidoner received permission to take custody of the Northwestern Army's tanks. This action brought four "Mark V" and two "Renault FT" tanks to Estonia. According to the Commander-in-Chief's daily order nr. 770 on 26 November 1919, Captain Hans Vanaveski was ordered to organize a training unit under the name of "Tank Class". This unit was placed under the direct orders of the "Reserve Forces" commander. This act was previously approved on 23 November by the Minister of War.