The Vickers Medium Tank

On the
move

This vehicle was introduced in the 1920s, and was a considerable advance over the earlier WW I style vehicles, having a rotating turret and a good turn of speed, an impression of which can be gained from the above picture. It ran to two principal marks, with a number of sub-marks and variants. The construction was on a frame, as can be seen below

Hull frame

This is the hull frame

Section of
Mk 1a

Section of Mk IA

Armstrong Siddeley 90hp air cooled engine

Armstrong Siddeley V8 90hp air cooled engine

Mk 1

Medium Mark I

Medium Mk
1A*

Medium Mark IA*

Medium Mk
2

Medium Mark II

With 6RTC in Egypt (1933-38)

Mk 2

Medium Mark II

With 6RTC again. These vehicles were asbestos clad, and the panels are visible in this picture

Medium Mark 2

Another vehicle in Egypt

Interior of
Medium Mk 2

Interior view of Medium Mk 2

Showing radio equipment in the bustle

Mk 2 Interior

Interior of Mk II

Showing main armament

Interior Mk IA*

Interior of Mk IA*

Showing hull door and MG

SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL MARKS

All Marks

Max Speed: 18mph, ~10mph crosscountry
Crew: 5
Radius: 120 miles
Engine:Armstrong Siddeley V8, 90bhp, air cooled

Main Distinguishing Features for Different Types

Type

Weight (tons)

Main Armament

MGs

Comments

Mk I

11.7

3 pdr

4 x 0.303" Hotchkiss,

2 x 0.303" Vickers

Mk IA

11.9

3 pdr

4 x 0.303" Hotchkiss,

2 x 0.303" Vickers

Bevelled rear of turret for AA Hotchkiss MG

Mk IA*

12

3 pdr

3 x 0.303" Vickers

Bishopsmitre cupola. Co-axial MG

Mk II

13.2

3 pdr Mk II

4 x 0.303" Hotchkiss,

2 x 0.303" Vickers

Hinged skirting plates. New drivers hood above hull line.

Mk II*

13.5

3 pdr Mk II

3 x 0.303" Vickers

Co-axial MG

Mk II**

3 pdr Mk II

3 x 0.303" Vickers
Bustle for wireless set

Mk IIA
13.5
3 pdr Mk II

3 x 0.303" Vickers

No rear turret bevel.

Armoured box rising above hull line on LH forextract fan

Mk IIA* 13.5
3 pdr Mk II

3 x 0.303" Vickers
Bustle for wireless set

CS versions

3.7" howitzer

"Close support" versions

Predecessors, Variants and Successors

Vickers
Light Tank 1921, No 1

Vickers Light Tank 1921, No 1

Main armament was 4 x Vickers MGs. No 2 was armed with a 3 pdr.
These vehicles were the immediate predecessors of the Vickers Medium Mk I,
but were not adopted for service

Bridging vehicle

Bridging Vehicle

This was an attempt to build a bridging system using the Medium Mk II
It was not adopted.

Medium II
Box Tank, 1928

Medium II Box Tank, 1928

An early form of armoured command vehicle. One vehicle built.

Wheel and
Track vehicle

Wheel and Track Tank

Based on a Medium Mark 1 - an attempt to overcome track wear

Vickers Medium
C

Vickers Medium C

This was built for Japan, and was based on the Medium Mk II chassis.
It was armed with a 6pdr.

Thanks to Chris Evans for pictures from his private collection. Other sources include AFV 1919/40 (Profile) and Mechanised force by David Fletcher (HMSO)

(pre-GS 'A' number designations)

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Type	Weight (tons)	Main Armament	MGs	Comments
Mk I	11.7	3 pdr	4 x 0.303" Hotchkiss, 2 x 0.303" Vickers
Mk IA	11.9	3 pdr	4 x 0.303" Hotchkiss, 2 x 0.303" Vickers	Bevelled rear of turret for AA Hotchkiss MG
Mk IA*	12	3 pdr	3 x 0.303" Vickers	Bishopsmitre cupola. Co-axial MG
Mk II	13.2	3 pdr Mk II	4 x 0.303" Hotchkiss, 2 x 0.303" Vickers	Hinged skirting plates. New drivers hood above hull line.
Mk II*	13.5	3 pdr Mk II	3 x 0.303" Vickers	Co-axial MG
Mk II**		3 pdr Mk II	3 x 0.303" Vickers	Bustle for wireless set
Mk IIA	13.5	3 pdr Mk II	3 x 0.303" Vickers	No rear turret bevel. Armoured box rising above hull line on LH forextract fan
Mk IIA*	13.5	3 pdr Mk II	3 x 0.303" Vickers	Bustle for wireless set
CS versions		3.7" howitzer		"Close support" versions