Light Tanks of the UK

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Light Tanks of the UK include the light tanks Mk II to Mk V. These were a series of similar British small tanks produced in the years between World War I and World War II. They saw use in training, and in limited engagements with British Empire units such as the South Africans during the East African Campaign (World War II) of 1941.

All were around 5 tons in weight and capable of 30 mph (50 km/h) on roads and around 20 mph (30 km/h) cross-country. Armament was machine gun only — Vickers machine guns firing either a .303 inch or .50 inch calibre round. Suspension was Horstmann coil spring on bogies. Up until the Mk V, they had a crew of two: a driver/commander and gunner. The Mk V had a crew of three: a driver, a gunner, and the commander helping on the gun.

Contents

[edit] Tank, Light, Mk II

Light Tank Mk IIA at Bovington Tank Museum.
Light Tank Mk IIA at Bovington Tank Museum.
  • Mk IIB: 21 built by Vickers-Armstrong.
Light Tank Mk II.
Light Tank Mk II.

[edit] Tank, Light, Mk III

  • Produced from 1934.
Light Tank Mk III.
Light Tank Mk III.

[edit] Tank, Light, Mk IV

  • A Vickers design of 1933, built from 1934.
Light Tank Mk IV.
Light Tank Mk IV.

[edit] Tank, Light, Mk V

  • Produced during 1936. A slightly bigger vehicle with two machine guns, one .303 and the other .50
Light Tank Mk V
Light Tank Mk V

[edit] External links

Unarmoured vehicles
British armoured fighting vehicle production during World War II
In other languages