If they do, they can be dealt with by other means.” – Major-General Sir Louis Jackson, 1919. The circumstances which called it into existence were exceptional and are not likely to recur. None of these designs would see combat, but would serve as the basis for future tank designs. From the left: a Mk.I Light Tank, a Vickers A6E2 Medium Tank, and a Vickers A1E1 ‘Independent’ Tank. Facing an opposing force that had made substantial developments in both how a tank should be designed and how it should be utilised as a tool of warfare, British tanks would undergo a steep learning process across multiple, diverse theatres.Ī trio of interwar tank designs developed by the British Army. The Second World War and the new realities of armoured warfare would pose an immense challenge to Britain and its armoured fighting forces. Chief amongst these issues was the British Army’s views on tank doctrine and design the incredible success of Germany’s Panzer divisions in carrying out swift attacks against British troops and tanks highlighted how far behind Britain’s armoured forces had fallen, and the need for reform was made clear. The defeat highlighted the deep-seated issues within the British military’s understanding of the new realities of warfare.

The outbreak of the Second World War and the rapid defeat the Allies would suffer in France in 1940 at the hands of Nazi Germany would come as a shock to the British Army. © IWM (Q 68975)īy 1939, this was clearly no longer the case.

Mark v military tank cost