Were All British Tanks Heavy During WW2?

During World War II, the British military did not uniformly use heavy tanks. Instead, they utilized a mix of light, cruiser, and infantry tanks. The term 'heaviness' in tank design refers not just to weight but to strategic purpose and combat role. Let's explore this in detail.

General Description

It is a common misconception that all British tanks were heavy. However, the British Army engaged in various strategic designs that ranged from light to heavy tanks. Each type of tank was suited to different tactical requirements. Some tanks were optimized for speed and agility, while others were designed for better armor and firepower.

Definition of Heavy Tanks

Heavy tanks, specifically during World War II, were a subset of tanks that prioritized thick armor and powerful weaponry, often at the expense of speed. Notable examples include the Vickers A1E1 Independent, TOG series tanks, and the Tortoise heavy assault tank. These tanks were developed but did not see extensive service during the war.

The Churchill

The Churchill tank is among the closest contenders to the concept of a heavy tank in service during World War II. As an infantry tank, the Churchill was well-armored and provided significant firepower. Despite its large size, the Churchill was effective in breaking through enemy defenses, creating a gap for other, lighter tanks to exploit.

Examples of Infantry Tanks

Infantry tanks were known for their strong armor and weapons. A exemplary model is the Matilda II, known for its formidable armor, which made it almost impervious to contemporary anti-tank weapons. While not a heavy tank by the purest definition, the Matilda II demonstrated the principle of balancing armor and firepower for specific tactical roles.

Heavy Tank versus Infantry Tank

The distinction between heavy tanks and infantry tanks was blurred, offering each a unique role during the war. Heavy tanks like the German Tiger emphasized anti-tank capabilities, while infantry tanks focused on supporting infantry by destroying bunkers and light defenses. The Matilda II exemplifies this dual role, proving effective against both infantry and armor despite its initial design intent.

Evolution of British Tank Design

As the war progressed, British tank designs evolved to meet changing operational needs. For instance, some Churchills were equipped with dual-role guns, including the American 75mm M3, and work was done on integrating the deadly 17pdr anti-tank gun. These adaptations showed the adaptability of British tank design during the conflict.

Other British Tanks and the Sherman

Most other British tanks during the war were cruiser tanks, lighter and faster machines that eventually evolved into modern main battle tank designs. The British also made extensive use of the M4 Medium tank, known as the Sherman, which was comparable to late-war British cruiser tanks like the Cromwell. Additionally, indigenous light tank designs like the MkVI were utilized in the early years of the war.