AIOE! p AS fied tndercs on the fron corners of te tare ee fu on the erly tanks. tier ews of the lanka ths slog oft development sew a sal! ‘ay on the rar of he ure, wick as later removed. (Tank Museum) ‘which Early British Cruiser - The History In the first of a two-part feature Peter Brown discusses the role of the Vickers’ A10 Mark I Cruiser Mark It and its service in B ish ‘armoured units in the early years of the Second World War he A10 Cruiser tank was developed by Ti eer ores rom is predacent the AS Pst refcareTothe AIO fas cory in 1985, and rvcopment continued nceporting several oF Enanges made tree tk The AIOE prototype T1479 BANS was delivered in Getter 1996 an italy was tobe an Infantry Tans was more evtyarmoured thn he AB. At fs his wes tbe ZSmin but was hen aed Soren wher ts minim armour for Soumgladed toa Hwy Crier ‘lightly shorter than he 9 lacked the the driver, though the ial production ver Heald scocltrer and «Hal machine funya mockup of thr ile Being viewed ites mei anda the end of 1957 was dering mors tals betading meng the ele osm heavier amour = Fate the development of te Vatentine Fano Tonk Like the A9 prototype the A10 was at frst fitted with a Rolls-Royce Phantom I engine but converted to carey the AEC engine it was back at Farnborough in July 1937. It was returned to Vickers at Chertsey several times for modifications, and was also sent to Lulworth for gunnery trials. Various trials were caried out, including some with mat layers in October 1939 and in February 1940, witha self-sealing extra fuel tank on the let hand front mudguard. The prototype was offically disposed of in August 1940 The A10's general design and layout was similar to A9, apart from the lack of sub- turrets, however, the Instruction Book cov tered both types, Layout was conventional; it was powered by a water-cooled, 150hp sixceylinder AEC Type 179 petrol engine its gearbox had five forward and one reverse gear and the rear-mounted trans Inission drove the tracks through sprockets also mounted at the back ‘Slow motion’ suspension was used: two bogies on each side with one large and two smaller wheols backed by large almost hor zontal springs and shock absorbers. The three man turret was rectangular and was balanced bya Noo radio set. Traverse was hydraulic ‘with a mancal backup. The main aea of dit Ference between A and AIO mechanically the extra facl tank onthe later inthe ll font by the driver, increasing the espacity 1098 gal Tons, whic allowing forthe extra fe co sumption due to the greater weight, allowed a ‘Similar radius of action, Variants. Tere were three main variants: AIO Mark Tcarvied the A9 style gun mount ing with coaxial 303 Vickers machine gun with 25" elevation and 15" depression ane no hull machine gun. These tanks had a fou [AYO Mark Ia had 2pdrand a coaxial BESA ‘machine gun in the turret with 25° levation tnd 13 depression, and another BESA in the hull with 15" traverse either side and 15" ele vation and depression. The extra machine ‘gun required a gunner, so the a had a five- ‘A105 Mark Ia had 37in Mortar and coaxial BESA in the turet with 0 elevation and 10 depression, and BESA in the ull 0 it had rwo.militarymodelling.com Military Modelling Vol.37 No.3 2007ATOEI pictured afer masifctions tothe hl front to add the uel ton and hull BESA machine gun, which looks this photo to bea duommy. With the var tant, the registration number shows it tas the same while. Splash strips across the glacs have also disappeared and the headlights have been mood, Hhough the cupola stl in place. (Tank Museum) ‘ous chamges it wl be easy to think th tas dif Mark | turret Photos show that the Mark I turret had the front comers ofthe front plate raised up to clear the drivers aea roof and a large ever ‘over the gun mounting with vertical slot for the guns and sights, The Handbook says of the Mark Alongside the driver isan aperture for a ‘machine gun mounting, but this i blanked off at present. This Mark may be brought into line with the Mark Ia’ Whether tis meant just a hull machine gun or a replacement of the turret Vickers mounting with the Ia style ata later date isnot clear and events in France made that academic anyway. Some photos show the la style turret mounting With no hull machine gun, which may have been uncommon, butit did exist. A flly stowed AIO with all crew in place ‘weighed in at around 1375 tons and could manage 16mph on suitable ground. Armour ‘hickeess varied from 30mm maxima to only 6mm in less Vulnerable areas Into production The first order for 10 A10 from Vickers was placed in mid1938 at a total cost of £70,000. These were allocated census numbers T8091 S100 and civil registrations PMXH8- PMNAS7. Production began at Elswick late in 1599, and only one had been delivered by the lend of the year. Another contract fr 75 was placed with Birmin Wagon Co Led, for T5909-TS95 with regis trations RMV264-RMV338, the fist 13 te be A10 Mark Iandl the remainder Ia. The other ‘orders had no civilian registrations. Metropoltan-Cammell Carriage & Wagon Co Led. but a further 75, with census nun bers TOISI-T9265. Of these, 12 were Mark | and 30 were to be CS versions with the 37in Mortar. final order for 100 seas placed with Crabtree, though this was reduced to only 10 ith numbers FISL15-T15124, These later tanks were to have been fitted with AEC diesel engines, however the manufacturer had problems completing the contract and they Wwere buile with the usual petrol engine “This woul give a total of 17D tanks built made up of 35,A10 Mark I, 105 Mark la and 3) Mark Ia CS, As already stated, the first Military Modelling Vol.37 No.3 2007 ww A10 was delivered in December 13, pro dlction ofthe remaining vehicles front National Archives file AVIA 22/469 was as Usted in TABLE Inthe early part of 140 the weather affect col dlveris fr Janay twas recorded at, Considerable snow has caused a delay i al ofthe heavier veces, while in early Mareh we have the remark, “Testing has agin been seriously handicapped by snow but we are advised that condition are now normal ACI 2714/41 dated Sth Noverber 1911 on ‘Acceptance Tests of AFVs sated that tanks should havea Sle est although Vickers Eawck factory completed their contact in March the figures for hat month showed Bigineease which waslargly dae to new contracor coming info producsio’ Up tothe end of May 1940, 13 tanks had teen delivered without mountings. One inter ting note in production figures shat the July 1940 figures dropped slighty compared to June due tos changeover to CS tanks. What was described 35th into it kind”, tank 19263, arrived at Lulworth on lst Oiober 1940. Metro Caml bul the last seven of thei tans in September and Biemnghare Railway Carriage & Wagon their fina v0 in October and 940, leaving Crabiree to deliver the remaining few in 94h A10 Scissors Bridgelayer ‘One A10 seria! T9229 went to Christchurch ‘wore it was tested asa carrier vehicle forthe ‘30-foot No.1 Scissors Bridge. Trials of a tank launched bridge had already been carried out using a Light Tank Mark V, but its capacity wae limited The AI0 was converted by removing the turret, the bridge was cari folded in half fn top ofthe tank and Iotinched using s power takeoff from the engine driving a fechanism which wound long screw back: Wards and forwards. This was connected to.a militarymodelling.com system of frames, these fist swung forward ying the bridge unt the frames touched the ground infront of the vehicle. At this point the bridge stood vertically. A second Frame pivoted around two small rollers and the brldge was pushed forward, unfeing itwent ni as placed on te oppose side ofthe river or ditch to be crossed The tank then backed away and disconnected from the bridge. Though not used on the ‘AIO the same system was fied to Valentine and Covenant ans, Early service The War Establishment for May 1939 for a Britsh Armoured Division included a mix of Light Tanks and both Light and Heavy (Cruiser tanks. At this time the AQ and A13 Were termed ‘Light Cruser’ with the A10 and [AIS Mark I asthe ‘Heavy Cruise’ types The arrangement was tobe one Light ‘Armoured Brigace with each of ts three ‘Armoured Regiments having 8 Light and Light Cruiser Tanks while the Heavy Armoured Brigade’ three regiments would have 26 Light Cruisers, 6S Cruisers and 15 Heavy Cruisers Division and Brigade HOs would have a mix of Light and Heavy Cruises. A revised Establishment introiced in March 1940 replaced the Light and Heavy Armoured Brigais with two Armoured Brigades, tl with three Armoured Regiments, but now with SZcrusers each which would include whatev= ertypes were availabe However, there were not enough cruisers tocomplete the two Armoured Divisions = Ist in the United Kingdom and 7th in Egypt inthis manner. Both had a mix of Light and Cruiser, with AIO and the Al3 series initlly only available in the UK. 1st Armoured Division at that time consisted of 2nd Armouted Brigade with The Queen's Bays {2nd Dragoon Guards), 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers and 10th Royal Hussars (Prince of 29pag and geste they could be beng mo ‘st to ass turret isthe cisions ote rhino ia 5915 DOC show it well confirms a'Seoen Duar theme while an lured strips on the plat ld be Blue GS, purty obscured by the driver's ack square for Divsional FIQ. lowe sty suge it bul nol clear. Een fr amon them, though her tion number 0020 abet would be fled. The col br The ner sponds ta hit Ion fn the glacis just intoardof the headlight below Cut on the turret canbe seen (Bob Gregory Cal Wales's Own) with 3rd Armoured Brigade composed ofthe 2nd ed and Sth Batis ofthe Royal Tank Regiment When the Divison was commited to France to oppose the invading German Panzersit tok these types though the phumbers held by inivida epimers var ied, War Diaries and Repimental Histris of these unity allow thelr movements and Sktion tobe followed, though deals are emetimes incomplete or contradictory With regard tothe Bay, their War Diary does no include much dtall on tanks. On May Sed they were warned tobe ready to move abroad ‘any day after 15th May” They trere tobe brought to strength in men and ‘cls as sooras possible though final Teinforcements would have to be con ster the move overseas. On the Sth hey ‘rer further informed that th Lancers would make up thelr vehicle deficiencies on the day of departure. Next day 0 fe were issued to ect squadron and they stood tin {ase of expected parachute landings. AN Ssdvanced party let on the 11th May and at that Ue they were camped inthe area bround Poole in Dorset Tn the morning of ith May the King inspected them onthe Blandord-Ringwwood road and in theaflemoon fhe Queen who twas their Colonel in Chit «inspected them IM Canford Parke Straight ater that they ted 30 ay not have taken many p any photos taken where and on, then theta es caught a ar attack? Seceral ATO can be ame HAPPY in small we letters onthe turret se, he lr 0s of ALO in France, Geman solder were then have come tight. This view of hr it was take, he stat ofthe tanks su ‘oacuaton after being dari i front are the ridge cla hich covered here # er Broz, Dark, GS thon another Blue CS ov an i sn dark background, which core ny bea sll hind this angle the wd 1n moving from Poole to Southampton reaily to g0 0 France. Vehicles were loaded ‘onthe Toth May svth the men themselves Sailing on the 10th, arriving off Cherbourg, the next day. They were not fully disem- barked until the early hours ofthe 2st. They recorded their Interim Establishment for ‘move overseas’, beginning with three AIO Close Support tanks in Regimental HQ. This is interesting partly as AIOCS are not includ among the tanks lost France and also a Tistof crew names on embarkation showed four tanks, Types are not given, bu all had four-man crews, which means they must have been Cruisers of some sort as Light Tanks only carried three men. A and B Squadrons had two ASCS and two A13 in their HOs two troops of AIS and two with Light Tank Mark VIC, while C Squadon had three AID in its HQ plus one troop with AIS, fnd two with Light Tanks. Each troop had three tanks each The first operational task given them on the Zand was to take up postions in the Foret de Lyons to destroy an enemy AFVs in the frea and deny the approaches tothe River Seine in the Les Andelys area. They were in netion from the 2th, but details of tank loss ‘Scare not clear. By the end of May when they formed a composite regiment with tanks from Brigade HQ, 9th Lancers and 10th Fiussars, their contribution was a mix of ALS, Light Tanks and Scout Cars, bt no A10 are mentioned. Regimental HO was nov on thee, A Squadron was reorganized in lor Ties, BSquadron had tanks including some from the other squadrons, but the types were not recorded. By the 15th they were ordered ‘bok tothe coast, their remaining tank strength is not clear, Their Regimental History says 15, the War Diary gives seven while handositten notes with the War Diary list two Al0 in RHQ, one cruiser from A Squadron, three lights from Band two cruis fers and eight ight (the last figure is hard to ‘make out) to be moved to Vieux Rouen to travel by train The War Diary tells us they were lelt disabled at Cherboxng Regimental History says they never reached there. Whatever happened, pone of these tanks were brought home. The troops retumed to the UK, mosty through Brest though some left from Cherbourg, The Oth Lancers were traning st Warminster at the start of May, but on being puton 10 days notice to move overseas they foved back to Wimborne in Dorset. From éth to 17th May according to their War Diary Frantic efforts were being made to bring the Regiment up to W.E. (War Establishment in personnel, vehicles andl equipment. New vehi les and tanks kept arriving other were with ‘drawn of transferred to other units Around $0’ men joined, many with litle tank raining Intime they had all thie B vehicles, but tanks continued fo arrive up tothe time of embatka- tion and some were ina very bad condition. ‘Among the last rsvals were AB ancl AIO that ho one had trained on, butt was hoped to be ble to train after arriving in France. ‘Vehicles left for Southampton on the 170h with the majority of the men going on the Tater sailing on the 20th Original destination wae Le Havre, but they landed at Cherbourg, fon the 21st where they were not expected Vehicles were unloaded and they moved out ofthe town, the tanks going back tobe load fed onto two trans which lft on the 22nd The trains arrived at Breval around (sobs the next day with the second appear ing at 1330hrs. Hasty unpacking and repack: ing was caried out, it was recorded that they ‘were below strength in tanks with light tanks in place of some cruisers, but otherwise fully ‘equipped though they were shert of spare apde ammunition and Bren guns. They were to move towards the Somme as soon as pose sible but were hampered by roads fll of Tefugees and French troops, One officer was Killed when accidentally run down by a tank. Such was the rush that, despite being tre, they set over on a night march without lights. Tus after midday they refuelled at Lincheux, by which time the tanks were almost dry. Patrols were sent out but the sit tation was confused. One tank was seen with thro Germans standing oni, ts commander twas reported dead it Being assumed his crew had been captured, while a tank from the Bays was found with two wounded crew men. Late in the day the Regiment’ trans port arsived as well a three RTR officers tvith eight cruisers brought up from Cherbourg. They had no orders s0 were attached to A Squadron. Over the next few Gays, movement was difficult as roads were ‘crowded; they manages a welcome rest on the sth. The next two days were spent bury ing the dead of the Bays and T0th Hussars fa eying to salvage thie tanks. With losses in the other two regiments it was decided to form a composite unit with 9th Lancers pro viding RHQ and two Squadrons with the thirel squadron from Bays and 10th Hussars, militarymadelling.com Military Modelling Vol.37 No.3 2007This was completed by sth June, including some tanks from Sad Armoured Brigade While the War Diary records movements actions and casas no deals of tank types are piven, Orders to move io Brest sree ecelved on 15th June using the code \word BLIGHTY. Tanks were set to entrain tLe Mans, Roads wee badly congested, but troops embarked from late on the 13th along Sidemen ofthe Bay and several other unite They sled eary on the evening ofthe 1th arriving at Plymouth tne nextday although Some men sale later including» group from St Nazaire. What happened fo these ‘icles was not recorded The 10th Hussars also recorded few details oftheir tanks They began the war with ‘one oF to AIS and a few light tanks’ Butby May 1910 when they were station inand around Wimborne in Dore! thelr wehicl strength had increased. They moved to France via Southampton beginning on the 17th, though according to thee War Diary, “fwo Cruiser Tanke and two Light Tanks were out each night onan ant parachute scare’ By the Ist they were a Cherbourg. For the period they were in France tet references by type are A13 and photos taken after thei fist action at Fluppy on 27th show several A13 Mack I Knocked out Losses were considerable, they went iio action with 12 cruisers and Bligh tanks and ofthese, only five crus ers and five lights survived with B Squadron losing all its tanks. RHQ's single cruiser was among those that survived Wil basi deta f the tanks sent as part of the Companite Squadron are given, no types are recorded and the next specie mention or tanks en ih une lt te ight ak sent to Set Armoured Brigade one Ai3 and the lights othe Bays and anther ATS gent oth Lncer However, onthe thar hang a bridge at Mandeville before twas blown pn the aly hour they were ordered to move to Lovie with four dismounted oops, thie Scout Cars and ‘any avallble as of which twehad one AO and one Ai Tis force was ssi the French and patrol Between St Tere and Poses Tank patrols went out on the 10h and the bridge at Louviers was blown late in the day The Regiment moved foa moequtointeted ackin the UK, SRTR reeuipe with ster size photo print fom the Eto area neat Romilly and thence to Foret de Belleme where it was hoped they would be reequipped, but on the 5th were ordered to Brest The War Diary says they had ‘tanks, ‘one of which sadly knocked down and killed 8 despatch rider. One vehicle - whether tank. for lorry isnot recorded = broke down and ‘was towed 50 miles before being repaired. In al, 250 miles had been covered in 13 hours with those French and Bretons they passed Biving them a very good reception. They har Foured overnight in a wood, the next day roving to Brest leaving behind a small party to destroy vehicles and equipment. Embarking on $5 Marts Maif along with men of 3rd Armoured Brigace and two Bofors {guns they managed to manhandle aboard they sailed to Plymouth to arrive on the 17h ‘Second Armoured Brigade’s War Diary gives thei total losses atthe end of May as 23 light tanks and seven cruisers to enemy action plus 28 cruisers and eight light fanks to mechanical defects. They were at that time reduced to one composite regiment, tank «crews without tanks were formed into MT partes’ acting as infantry. The only mention OF Brigade HQ tanks was on 7th june when fan A10 and two Light Tank Mark VIB were {detached tothe composite regiment. By 10GOhrs on the 15th the Brigade was to move by tain to Brest; ‘all available tanks’ were loaded which totalled 26 light tanks ancl 14 ALB cruise The tain never reached its destination as the line was blocked. Most ofthe Brigade’s personnel embarked a Breston the Teth and Sled back to Plymouth, Back in France, vehi- cles were tobe destroyed, but not by buring. The parties ordered to carry this out embarked fon the 17 and sailed hone. All retuenin ttoops were granted 48 hours leave, It appears all their tanks were lft behind in France SRTR was sent from Fordingbridge, Hampshire as part of a force to defend Calais along with thee batalions of Rifles and an AA unit, Landing on 22nd May with 30 cruisers including A10 and 21 light tanks, they spent the night trying to unload tanks and prepare them for actin. This was not Ihelped by most tanks having been loaded at the bottom of the hold Gun were still, packed in mineral jelly full day was need. {Ed to prepare them for use tanks inhaling AY aa AIO. This original Cros Copyright alton sas prt of srs taken by War Of Photographer Mr Mlain fly 1940. Deserted as ‘Cruse Mr Offi of th Ral Tank Regiment, and Armoured Brigae, Ist Armoured Division on Thursey Cons, Surrey" ss tree AO Cruse ang ar assortment of AI3 ruber, Marks are spurs ust the Dorion the rn, Sado subs on the ures ant ice nama on these ins. With a mag fing gas the name EGREMONT and the WD No. 1595. ae age bo. The most interest= ur lg don ond the eon the Toa? ‘egnctng tg ee ae me ‘They were son in action, by the 2th ony three crusers and four light fans were oper ational although they were sil able to knock fut six German tanks that evening. Atempts to breakout to Gravlins failed ad the few Femaining tanks were driven into the sca ‘when they ran Tow on petrol. Over half the Batalions men were evacuated before fight ing ceased en the 2, mane were abe to sseape liter One oftheir Sergeants recorded thatthe Alls ‘might as well ave stayed in England, with no HE, bt only smoke bombs" to ie which would suggest he thought some ‘were C5 vehicles, but he may be mixing them Up with A9CS. A former cadet officer, John Dian, was inspired Yo poetry of sorts “They gave mean AID and drove her from t ‘nin, ‘and soon mateo d back home again Enter the RTR At the start of May, 2RTR were at Ringwood, Hampshire and had been warned tobe ready to moverto France on the 12th, but they did ‘not move until a week later. They were short Cf tanks, as at 12th May needing to light tanks and 18 erasers including three AiO, Some arrived including an A10 which came ‘izect from the factory’ on the 17th ‘When their AFVs let for Southampton on ‘the 20th thee total strength was 21 Light Mark VIB, 18 AL3, eight A9, but only a singe AO. The crew's followed on the 22nd and arrived at Cherbourg the next day They advanced on the 27th several tanks ‘experiencing track troubles. That day they lost four raisers and a light tank knocked out ine men were kiled and Il reported missing before they too were withérawn to Aignville (One light tank, 0 A13 anv an AO had bro= ken down, although their vehicle casualties ‘were repored t Std Armoured Brigade a ive ‘A9,one AIO, 113, three Light Mark VIB and four Scout Cars who recorded, ‘The majority of these were mechanical breakdowns, but many were damaged by gunfire “The Regiment's War Diary for 3st May stated that several tanks were collected by Scammell for back-loading to Divisional Workshops, but ‘Cruiser tank A10 8100 found near Touelles with tacks but Scammell unable to pull t back on to tracks’ ‘so presumably it was abandoned when its tracks broke. The entry in the Diary for 4th June list the tanks the Regiment had with them or in workshops: the only AID men tioned! was this one left on the battlefieldLack of spares and replacements had reduced Ist Armoured Division's strength Almost as much from breakdowns as from tanks knocked out, with A10 sufering badly in terms of faults, At the end of May, the Division asa whole were dovn to 65 cruisers {and 64 light tanks in working order. Losses had been ‘Type Mechanical Due to Enemy faults action an 2 2 rt) 4 7 ‘A10 2 2 Light Me VIBic 17 En 2RTR recorded that did not have any AA10 on 10th June, but on the 11th one AIO gg tank was transferred to them from Brigade HO and allocated to the HQ of the composite Squadron they formed part of They operated with SRTR's composite Squadvon, but early on the 15th Further orders were received to go to Brest for tembarkation. On Téth all vehicles were fordered to be abandoned after removing, portable weapons, The troops sailed and trrived in Plymouth on the 17th. At first, they were taken toa tented camp at Longbridge Deverill, but then moved back to Warminster, Casualties in France were listed a 10 killed, five wounded and 13. ‘missing plus one man admitted to hospital, SRTR were stationed at Alderbury in Wiltshire atthe start of May. On the Sr they were wamed to be ready to move overseas by the 18th and a small advanced party let 32 for France on the 11th while thee tanks and other vehicles were being readied Their Mobilization Serial Number was to be 0044, On the lath they were inspected at Ringwood by the King and Queen, and ‘hed that their overseas movement had bbeen brought forward. New vehicle were received and on the 16th they sent six ATS to be transported to France with 10th Hussars. When the main tank party moved ‘onthe 20th, one ATS had mechanical prob Jems, but completed the move although another broke doven and had tobe left ieehind. A complete listing of SRTR's AFVs which went to France as recorded by their Technical Adjutant, Liewtenant (later Major) Allan Percy Southon from his papers atthe ‘Tank Museum Library inclides A10 tanks T3H14, T8099 and T9199 in RHO. The Batalion sailed from Southampton. and arrived at Cherbourg on the 2rd. They ‘moved with 2RTR to Breval the tops frtived on the 24th with thie tanks coming by train on 25th. Their first action was on 2h May alongside 2RTR and French Dragon Porte towards St Valery. Six men were killed and seven wounded. Two light fanks and an AI3 were hit and lost, another ATS was bogged down and abandoned, while two more light and three cruiser tanks were hit brut continued in action. Several vehicles broke downy the 3rd Armoured Brigade War Diary lists their losses that day as two AS, ‘ovo AIO, four A13 and two Tight tanks and it twas fo take several days to recover them After this acon they moved to Frequeres. 'Z’ Squadron ‘On the 25th a componite squcron tobe knoven a8 Squaddon’ was formed. Ithad two cruisers in itssuadron HQ, to theee-tank troops of light tanks an two more troops with cruisers, though the types were not recorded. They moved to Frawlew and patrolled the area east of Boubert, onthe 308 they sup- ted a French attack in the Cambrow ‘coming under artillery fire but with no losses, Next they moved South to rest at St Aignan. On the 7h Z Squadron’ rallied with the 3RTR composite squadron, the remainder of the tanks three each ATO, [ATS and Light VIB = were sent to St Julien-de la-Lieuge onthe Sth to assist the withdrawal ofthe combined Battalions. Orders were received for a long road march in a Southerly direction, any tank that broke dovn and ‘ould not be repaired in 15 minutes was tobe Sbandoned. By the time they had reached Neurille de Bose late on the 10th after a120- mnie journey on roads crowded with refugees, they had lost an A9, AIO T3099 that detording to Southon’s records was aba ‘doned north of Nieuberg along with an AI, land one Light VIB "Z Squadron’ then advanced to Beauvoir ‘on the 7th, but inthe evening was ordered to Withdraw 3rd Armoured Brigade listed them. shaving three AIO plus two light tanks in feserve at that time, Moving south ofthe River Seine they rejoined the main Battalion fon the 9th, They left again on the 12th for Le Chete, then on the 1th moved to Thibouvile militarymodelling.com Military Modelling Vol.37 No.3 2007 8 is‘Similar markings are shown ina series of photos by Captain Kecting taken on Sth October 1940 of 2RTR, tuloading in Egupt There was also newsreel fn ofthe unleaing ohich is now online at Pathe tte's website ns clip 1143.05 Among other equipment including 25pdr guns sheathed in wnden packing, various lanks cate seen. This ew shows the turret top band on several vehicles, wile one A10 anda Light Tank VIB also havea hand around the ler ee ofthe turret. The significance of this snot known fo me, i appears on several phatos of tanks inthe UK in 1340 and fanone hots perhaps they could contact the Eitor. Other phots ofthis tank andthe film clip show it has T5930 in white on te side under the ar outlet lores and this 1s repeated vice on the ven hull, both on the rounded rear section and just below the opening section above te engine. Other markings, arm of service sign 61 om sven square denotes the ‘second regent in te ‘second armoured brigade ofthe dicsion; the whit "ho is seen here without an oul. The Arm of Sercce number ows repented on the pate the rar all usualy used for the registration nue, but not the divisional sign. Mobilization numer 0086 com be seen in smal site characters on the front, and the ighter coloured area on the eo-drves hatch could be {2s detector paint. One A10 inthis ww as ul chine gun we the remainder have the banking lat. Other tanks in this sequence of photos hae variations th markings, the ATO behind T5990 tas 79233 a its serial wns on these of the co-driver's poston, quatro tank with the rhino ian aval onthe rackeuard the AaS onthe lowe edge of the glacis and 8 046 oven the bullet splash strips, Note also the ond set up a defence around Barquet. Patrols ‘went out ond some fred on suapeted parachutist On te ith they wor attacked byenamy’ fighter planes without ss, then threw to Tellers Plessis The mont dy - Say they moved to Montigny where they were again attacked from tea. They then moved to Chesboug where they marked on the I aving at Southampton during the ight The remainder of the sth vas ordered to Brest on the St tanks were moved gut by train A pany was ordered to remain Wehind ‘ith vei, the main body of trope Embark om te Man ass on the fath, ‘ter cessing the Channel hey arived at Fymouth and moved to Waminstr by trainand bus. The vehce party were ordered to destroy the veces, but nt by fre or gunie. Ty then sled on SS Strath for Plymouth from there they vento camp at Devizes Before eon the Batation on the Zand. "2 Squadron ha sje onthe 1th with er vehicles, by he 25 thee remaining seven Cruisers one AB und sit ATS ard fou ight nk were sent into workshops. These wer all tanks taken to France sé must have been ‘mong those brought bac. Of the other tro A 15914 was recorded sein sett Divisional workshops at Le Mone hie T9199 was ‘entrained for Cherbourg, but vas not brought back to England Military Modelling Vol.37 (0.3 2007 ile other photos in the sequence soe a KD slacks and su elt the cre Sed Acmoured Brigade also had its oven tanks, whether it had its fall complement of six ight erusers and four heavy erasers hard to determine. Some were sent as rein forcements, and on 7th June ane A10 was loaned tothe Brigade’s wansport to se its No. radio set as ‘Rear Link Two A10 were also recorded as broken down en route to Foret de Lyons on the same day. One A10 was destroyed onthe Sh as its tracks were hope- lessly broken. A list of al the operational AFVs in the Brigade at 0840 othe 10th gave: Brigade HQ. three Al0, three Light Tanks, eight Scout Cars 2RTR- two AICS, one A10, eight A13, eight Light Tanks, 10 Scout Cars SRTR - one A8, one ASCS, five AI3, seven Light Tanks, nine Scout Cars but no mention ofany AIO) The Brigade’s tanks were handed over to -2RTR onthe Lith. Few specific details of tanks are recorded from then on ut he entry for 25h 17th une a Cherbourg say, “Al it tanks arrived and vehiles all n harbour. In spite ofthe very long road marches and the ‘Simplete lack of spares anc Ordnance Services, 27 tanks reached CHERBOURG out ofthe 32 ‘tatmade up the two squadrons on 11th June Aout 1500 mies had teen covered inthis time invroad marches alone.” “At OS0Ohrs onthe T8th ‘about half the tanks had been loaded and they were geting the remainder on at ance’ Some ofthe 12 remaining www.militarymodelling.com ‘Scout Cars were tobe kept handy’ near HO for its defence those not used were tobe loaded and by 10h five were aboard while three patrols of two cars each were sent to block the ‘eces tothe port as best they could, One broke ‘down and the others ended up being pushed Into the dock. “The Brigade sale at around 1630hrs and was Jn Southampton by 2220hrs. Most tks and vehicles were unloaded onthe 19th cn the next clay they were informed that they were tobe siven priory to equip with one-third AIO Sand two-thirds AI3 from Monday 24th RAC Hal-Yearly Report Number 5 of December 1941 included details of AFVS lost in France in its Appendix MI Light VIB/VIC 407 Cruiser I(A9)/ICS (A9CS) 2 Cruiser (AIO) 31 (Cruiser IN (A13)/IVA (A13 Mark HA) 46 Infantry L(A) 7 Infantry (12) 2 Nomenclature change “The difference in the naming style comes from instructions isued on th June 1940 to change the nomenclature of British tanks. This was dane to allow easier comparisons between Light, Cruisr and Infantry tanks as each vehi cle was in future tobe known by is class and a Roman numeral to differentiate between types ‘AIO Mark I thus became Cruiser Mark ‘Mark la was now Cruiser Mark A and the CS version Mark ACS though some records til refered to them by the older style. Another ‘ame charge was planned when ineay August it was proposed that enisers would bcame Reptile Cas’ tanks with suitable ames, AI Cruiser Mark Il would have become ‘Cobra, but the scheme was never implement- 4. By the ime names were introduced in fly 1941, the early cruisers were all ext of proce tion and not included inthe new scheme ‘While figures for tanks retuened tothe UK from France are uncerain, none appest to be ‘Al0. Like other British tanks lft behind, many ‘where photographed by individual German Soldiers and offical propagandists. At leat ‘one was shipped back to Germany for tests by the Army Weapons Office, the type was assigned the German designation Kreuzer Pareekampyagn Mark I1742(0) and while there isa photo of one being used asa target fora flamethrower in 1941 there is itl to show what became of any other vehicles They had not performed well in action, ‘The Report on the Equipment and Organization ofthe Ist Armoured Division by its Commander Major General R. Evans dated 26th June 1940 said "() Cruisers AY and A.10 Those were found to be unsatisfactory both mechanically and tactically {i Slow rate of speed on the road and poor ‘cross-country performance {G) The tracks are badly designed for wear, repair, and grip. {ii The engine goes not develop sufficient power and is easily averstrained Figures for tank strengths inthe United Kingtlom vary, one repot listed in Cabinet Olfice papers gives 253 light, 103 cruiser, 110 {infantry and 132 old medium tanks “in eanning order atthe end of Jane, with afew more in poor condition plus various prototypes ‘Tank production continued and A10 wer still being built, though priority at this time Was still being given to infantry tanks, In 1940, three infantry Tanks were built for every cruiser. Units were issued with what tanks were available, 33TABLE 2 Establishment Holdings 6th December Unit Cruisers [Light Tanks | Cruisers Cevisens | Light Tanks HO Tih Armoured Division| s > 1 1 7 HO 4th Armoured Brigade 10 : = 3 = 7th Hussats - 38 2 36 4 2RTR 2 - 3 - 36 ore 2 : 16 2» 16 HQ 7th Armoured Brigade 10 : 2 5 2 3ed Hussars 2 - : 1 ts 8th Hussars - 58 5 36 4 ARTR 2 ‘i 8 4 16 RAC Base Depots 7 2 4 58 § ‘Workshops - - 1 Total 23 128 19 29 17 Units re-equipped ‘Commanding French Forces, Lieutenant- 4th Armoured Brigade (as at Boxing Day, Units back from France were re-equipped. AS early as 22nd June, 2RTR received three A9, 22 A1D- two for HQ Squadron, five each in A fand B Squadrons and six in © Squadron ~ and three AI, Five more AIO, three A9 and three ‘Al had arrived on the 28th. By 11th July 2RTR were back at fll stength and trans- ferrod to North Africa in August. “The situation in SRTR was much the same as they received a mix of A9, A10, AI and ‘ven a fow Valentines. Southon’s detailed records show that when they sailed for the “Middle Eastin October they took 28 AIO in A. and B Squadrons, six AIOCS - wo in each Squadron HO along with 18 A13 Mark I Cruise IVa in Regimental HO and C Squadron. One Al0 broke down at the quay- Sine andl was replaced by a new vehicle from the Ordnance Depot at Chilwell, Nottingham. They were organized as: RHO four tanks Three Squadrons, each - Squadzon HQ two 2pd and two CS tanks Four Troops each with three tanks Even with losses in France, by the end of the year British tank strength stood at: 'N detailed lis in the Half Yearly Reports states Light Cruiser Infantry Overall UK 2s 1285S Middle East 331 238 10h 673 Totals 560 360 5831509 (Totals include Malta) {st Armoured Division - three A9, 10 A9CS, {seo AID and six AIOCS out of 129 Cruisers plus 141 Light Tanks, nd Armoured Division -six ACS, 73 A10 find 13 AI0CS out of 163 Cruisers plus 169 Light Tanks 7th Armoured Division had 60 Cruisers list fdas A9- which would have included some ‘ACS, but also AlDby this stage - along with 144 Light Tanks. This should be compared with totals of 707 Lights, 233 Cruisers and 153 Infantry Tanks before the French campaign, though the end ‘of year totals only included reserves of nine Tight, 1 cruiser and 24 infantry tanks ant these figures did not take account of losses in recent operations in the Middle Eas. ‘One AIOCS of 2nd Armoured Division formed an wndsual photographic backdrop after a demonstration at Thursley Common fn 1ith February 1941, when a distin- {ished line-up including Prime Minister Winston Churchill, General Wladyslaw Sikorski, Prime Minister of the Polish Government-in-Exile and Commander in- Chief of the Polish Armed Forces, General Charles de Gaulle, General Officer 34 General Martel, Commander RAC and the Commander of Ist Armoured Division Major-General Norvie were photographed in front of it This image is IWM 17233. ‘As new types came into use, there were fewer older erasers inthe UK. Figures for June, July and August 1941 showed six AL0CS alongside eight ASCS and around two ‘dozen A13 Mark Il Cruiser IVA in Ist ‘Armoured Division alongside Covenanters And Crusaders, but none with any olher unit By the end of September when Tst Armoured nad moved to the Middle East, none were listed ata, North Africa ‘The carly desert bates were fought with A9, the first AlD only ariving in Egypt towards the end of 140. A report on the Tank Situation in 7th Armoured Division for 20th October reconded several Light Tanks Mark VI series, And that most raises were AY apart from RTR which had sic A9 Mark ICS, 45 A10 ‘Mark HA and 13 Mark If Cruiset Mark IV. Tmadditon to tanks with the Division, and in ‘Workshops 18 Cruiser IIA were expected rive shortly and be eady fraction by mid ‘November. IRTR records oftheir tank state show they recived A10 in November ‘lst October, 13 AY Mark 19 Light V1 VIA VIB. 20th November, 20 A9 & A10, 22 Light VI VIA VIB. All these would be needed as a major ‘offensive was planned. This was Operation ‘COMPASS that began on 9th December and the situation asa 6th December 1940 record= ‘ed as in TABLE 2. In short, while there were in theory over 30, more tanks than required to equip units, ‘many were in workshops and there was a shortage of 105 cruisers and 140 more light tanks than required. ORTR fought against the Htalians in the advance to Sidi Barraniin early December. On the 10th they lst an ATO burnt out with anoth- terhit, which was Inter recovered. On the 138 {twas rors that C Squadron had two AS and seven AIO. They were in action on the {eth against Italian tanks, although a Cruiser and Light Tank were mechanically disable, there were no personne losses to 2RTR while the enemy lost 50 dead and around S00 cap- tured along wih large quantities of weapons ‘ofall kinds, vehicles and stores. ‘On the 20h their strength was listed as four A9, seven AIO, eleven ALS and a dozen Light Tanks, Operation COMPASS led to the Italians retreating, Solum was captured on 172 December. Brigade records list the tank situa- tion in the various Regiments in 7th Armoured [Division in various levels of detail: wwrw.militarymodelling.com Mil Mtr repaired vehicles had rejoined Zh Hissar thre A9, 37 Light Tanks, 2RTR: four AY, seven AIO, 16 AIS. §RTR=12.9,T6 Light Tanks. th Armoured Brigade (a at 19th December) Sed Hunsas ine Cruisers, 18 Light Tanks fh Hare te Cruiser 19 Light Tanks IRTR= 12 Cruisers, 19 Light Tanks “The IRTR War Diary stated that on Stst, December they had 16 A9 end AD, 16 Light Tank VI-VIA‘VIB ant two Scout Cas. Some references AID are fein and bse For example loking atthe 6RTR War Diary for December we ae told that onthe 7th, "Two Cree A10 tars asv, he cews hav ing ech them over 10 nes to join he Re ‘One ofthe tree was exchange with Brigade HHO fora 49 And yes tat doesnot realy make sense! On the next day’ a Cruse broke down bury fs qumber we can et was an ‘88, On the 27th se Crlsers that hd been damage 3 Si Baran joins but there 0 Sndcaton oftheir ype. A eat the Bagade records are more spec On the ih of January they handed 13 igh tanks and 1 cruises to IRR 2RTR and 7th Hussars, bt again nothing tony what ‘The year 1041 started well enough on 5h January Australian oops tok Bardia and $00 prisoners were captured On the 22nd Tobruk was captured, and on 7h February the main body of te tain forces was cut fff t Beda Fomm. British tank strength was SB Light Tanks and around 50 Cruisers A9, ‘Alo and AI3. A column consisting ofthe thaee Regiment in th Armoured Brigade - then 3a Hussars, 7th Hussars and 2RTR = ‘with infantry tom the Re Brigade and bllery support 2RTR was the strongest unit ‘with 23 Crtsers, mostly AIS though ater the Sction at Beda Fomm they claimed 79 Taian tanks and put their own losses at an ATS and two AS After the action they were moved to the Nile Delta and re-equipped with more ‘85, Aland AIS, which were reported as being in poo tate “Transfers of tanks were common as was the switching of regiments within Brigades. 5nd Armoured Brigade recorded one such Stange on 25th January, SRTR were tobe Sletached fom the Brigade and transfer some crs to STR, whi woul eave TR jipped solely wth Mark 1A and 5RTR Sou e Mark ICS and dear VA: On Toth February Brigade HO Cruiser Tanks were handel 0 STR “A ceport cate 15h February 1941 listed problems with various tanks in North fica {reluding AAO and AS. These incladed clutch prableme due to 3 Ick of dust proofing re problems with rubber bonded on canvas {pes ailing while rubber bonded ona steel tary Modelling Vol.37 No.3 2007eek at pres. tee Sat: eis Offi potos of 1st Armoured Division in Fance in 1940 are not common, aud this the only one of AIO the author could fin. Original caption dates it pnt at Foucenon during fot confirms his. ast ob n tanks Dol show he wit ‘were satisfactory, securing bolts on the suspension units working Tose which meant the tanks had to be al but gutted to fix as the bolts had tobe held fom inside, and also bolts on the tack adjuster hubs shearing, In addition, tree roller howsings on Cruiser Tank Mark I fractured, this was put down to AO turrets being heavier than AS. Asat 20th February 194, the day when the fist Gorman forces were encountered, the Tank State was Uni Light Cruisers HQ7th Armoured Division 4 HQth Armoured Brigade 3 th Hussars 44 2RTR we 2 RT 9 9 HQ7th Armoured Brigade 52 rd Hussars 3% 4 ‘th Husears 4 IRTR, 2 6 Total 7th Armoured Division 165 82 Total nd Armoured Division 5266 Base Ordnance Depots, ete. 17255 By Sth March, the Middle East Tank State as 253 cruisers and 364 light tanks. This ‘was 417 short on cruisers although 6RTR. as using captured Talian MIS tanks, which ‘duced the shortage 1 365, Although there were 246 light tanks surplus to requirement, hese were of limited use in tank-againat-tank actions, When the Germans pushed forward n Sst March, the Al0 formed a fair propot- ‘om ofthe eraser strength. See TABLE 3 TABLE 3 Light Tanks I-41 Total for 1st April 3 12th April with units 12th April in Depots a ‘Total for 12th April 31 Military Modelling Vol.37 No.3 2007 operations om the Somme fer the camouf rly seen. Te prominent cover over He mantle ther F-series photos were taken by Keating, whois described qiare used 10 ‘A pencilled note ge eto he leer eg of the acs tify ABVs in the BEF. (F4586 IWM) 3RTR had re-equipped after its action in Calais, being brought up to strength in men and receiving ADs and AT3s. These they took with them when they sailed to North ‘Aria from Liverpool in October 1940, Their War Diary recorded on 25th Jancary 1941, 28 Mark. IVA tanks handed to SRTR. 28 Mark. ILAs taken over’ though it does ‘not record that the Ai0s were not in good order with many having badly worn trac ‘According to Sra Armoured Brigade order of 24th January the intention forthe two (3K Tanks isto remain in Egypt in BE reserve, composed as follows: 1 Tank Mark IVA, 31 Tanks, HQ & 2 Squadron's Mark A. 11 Tanks; i. 1 Squadron Mark VIB ight) ‘Tanks Mark ACS. (i) 5 R Tanks is to form part of 3 Armoured Brigade in2 Armoured Division bound for Libya forthwith, Composition: ‘46 Tanks, H.Q. & 3 Squadron's Mark IVA. 6 Tanks Mark ACS. (i) 14 Mark IA Tanks are to be held in ‘general reserve by RAO While not specified, the CS tanks would be split up in the various Squaclron Hs, 3RTR’s Light Tanks were to come from King’s Dragoon Guards ‘ata date tobe noti- fied later’ Inthe event his did not happen, though there were changes tothe soft skin or B Vehicle strengths ip wel lack bret and cap badge ofthe soldier inthe commander’ hatch there as a Captain in the King’s Royal Rifle Co 3 May 1340 ond credits tt Keating om Leica voll 24 ts genera ite nthe Battle Areas’ and is described as Tank of 2nd Armoured Bde guarding th the IWM print says itis HO 2nd Armoured Brig, the arm of seroice number 3.0m te rhino Diasional sign though ridge class 14 on ows he fst Armoured Photos SRTR at the time ofthe German advance started off withthe tanks listed. Tt had been Stationed at El Adem, south of Tob, tin March it was sent to the frontier. A Squadron came under command Sra Armoured Brigade with 1d Mark IVA and 2 Mark ICS, bout by the 1th it was down to only seven “Mark IVA with its Al0s given to 6RTR. The remainder ofthe Battalion moved up to ET Adem on the 2ist with 33 Mark IVA and three Mark ITACS, but as the latter were too slow to keep up with the Mark IVA they Were passed t0 2RTR Tn May 2RTR were again in action during ‘Operation BREVITY. Its HO had four Cruiser IVA, A Squadon had four A9 Cruiser Tand 12 A10 Cruiser HA while C Squadron had three Mark I nine Mark TA and four Mark IVA though one A9, two AA10 and a Mark IVA were reported as non ‘operational on 11th May. By the 16th their ‘operational tanks were six Cruiser I, 17, Mark IIA and seven Mark IVA. On the 18th they sent a report to Brigade HQ listing five Mark IA, two from A Squadron and three from C Squadron, were not oper tional. Losses mounted, mainly due to mechanical defects with tracks a major problem and vehicles were kept going by Eannibalizing parts. Dring an action by A Squadron on 21st May, three tanks were mechanical casualties, though one was stil ‘mobile if slow, even with part of its sus pension shot away. With three tanks hav ing to be towed only one was fully ‘operational, though the towed tanks could still 7 Light Tanks VIseries A9 A9CS A10 AIOCS A13 365 6 6 89 1285 | Continued in MILITARY MOD: 6 2% 6 «28 12 | ELTING Vol. 37 Not On Sale: 16th 148 38-286 | arch with the Al0's deployment in 2 66 & 2 & ‘www.militarymodelling.com Greece and retirement.