WW2 British Tanks: The Armoured Giants of Britain’s War Effort

The Mark I tank was developed by the British during the First World War to address the urgent need to break the impasse on the Western Front. Despite the fact they were slow, cumbersome and unreliable, they were broadly successful. This innovation not only helped to break the deadlock, but also set the foundation for future armoured warfare tactics and technology.

By 1936, as tensions in Europe escalated, Britain embarked on a significant expansion and modernisation of its armoured forces. Tank development immediately prior to World War II focused on creating three distinct vehicles – heavy infantry tanks to support soldiers on foot, light tanks for reconnaissance missions, and fast, agile cruisers to break enemy lines, just as the Whippet tanks did at the tail end of World War I. The aim was to balance speed, armour, and firepower to meet the full range of battlefield requirements, from rapid assaults to close infantry support.

This time-trip back to the Second World War battlefields tells the story of British tanks in WWII.

As World War II began, the effectiveness of British tanks was a mixed affair. Early models were well armoured and could withstand enemy fire, but they were slow and poorly armed. The fast cruisers offered greater mobility but often lacked the armour and firepower to contend with the German Panzers. These limitations became evident during early engagements in France and North Africa, where the first tranche of WW2 British tanks struggled against better-equipped adversaries.

There wasn’t a single reason why the British tanks of the Second World War fared so badly. The fundamental causes were insufficient firepower, inadequate armour, and mechanical unreliability, and these shortcomings were often the result of rushed development, outdated doctrines, and resource constraints. Yet, through adaptation and the relentless pursuit of improvement, Britain’s armoured forces made significant and vital contributions to the eventual Allied victory.

Despite the early challenges, of the twenty or so different types of WWII British tanks used in the conflict several became household names. Here are five of the best British tanks of WW2.

Officially designated Infantry Tank Mark II, the Matilda II was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Matilda I. Indeed of all the WW2 British tanks, it’s thought the Matilda II was the only one that served for the entirety of the war, starting with the British army and ending with the Australian.

The Matilda II featured a 40 mm main gun and substantially thicker armour plating than its older sister. Its strengths lay in its exceptional armour protection, which made it nearly impervious to early German anti-tank weapons, and its reliability on the battlefield. However it was slow, limiting its mobility and making it less effective in fast-paced operations.

The Matilda II performed best during the early stages of the North African Campaign, notably during Operation Compass, where it outmatched its Italian counterparts. Overall, it proved to be a formidable infantry support tank in the early war years, providing valuable service despite its limitations.

With over 8,000 built, the Valentine – officially designated Tank, Infantry Mk III – was the most extensively produced of all British tanks of the Second World War, yet it was a huge risk that almost never saw the light of day. Designed and built by Vickers-Armstrongs, they refused to adhere to the tank design guidelines set out by the War Office. However, they developed a mechanically-sound vehicle with a reliable engine, suspension and transmission. The British government, with their own tank production schedule way behind schedule, had little option but to give the Valentine the green light.

While it wasn’t perfect – it had limited firepower and was cramped inside – the Valentine was very well protected and had exceptional mechanical reliability. Durable and easy to maintain in the field, it was quickly available in enough numbers to restock an army that was becoming increasingly desperate for armoured vehicles. Often considered to be one of the best WW2 British tanks, the Valentine saw action for the first time in December 1941 during Operation Crusader in the deserts of Egypt and Libya. Deployed during a crucial period of the war, it became a dependable battlefield asset when it was needed most.

Tank, Cruiser, Mk VIII, Cromwell (A27M), otherwise known as the Cromwell tank, first saw action in 1944 in the Allied invasion of Normandy, as well as subsequent operations in Northwest Europe.

Of all the British tanks in WWII, the Cromwell was arguably the best cruiser, and was a significant improvement over its predecessors, the Cavalier and the Centaur. The Cromwell’s primary strength was its exceptional speed and mobility, especially over rough terrain. It was powered by the remarkable Rolls-Royce Meteor engine, allowing it to reach up to 40 mph. It proved to be a formidable rival to the German Panzers and was one of Britain’s most successful cruiser tanks during World War II.

The successor to the Cromwell, the Comet – or Tank, Cruiser, Comet I (A34) – is widely considered to be the best of the WW2 British tanks. While it didn’t see action until early 1945 in Germany, it went toe-to-toe with the German Panther and Tiger I with its powerful 77-mm high-velocity gun which was generally accurate even over long distances.

Balancing speed, armour and firepower, the Comet, like the Cromwell, was powered by the 600hp V12 Rolls-Royce Meteor, yet while it was only a front-line tank for little more than a few months, the Comet’s legacy lived on for decades.

It remained in service with the British army until the 1950s, and with armies around the world until as recently as the 1980s. Yet perhaps its greatest legacy is that the Comet was the inspiration for the Centurion, often considered the world’s first Main Battle Tank.

Named not for Winston, as most assume, but for John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, the Churchill tank was probably the most famous of all the British tanks of the Second World War. A cornerstone of Britain’s armoured forces during the war, it was renowned for its exceptional armour protection and ability to navigate challenging terrain, and was particularly effective in roles requiring heavy support.

This legendary infantry tank was rushed into production to strengthen British defences against a potential German invasion. While early variants were beset with issues – a poor gearbox, an unreliable engine that was almost inaccessible for running repairs, and an underwhelming 40 mm gun – it eventually became a critical asset in various combat operations during the later stages of World War II.

The British tanks of the Second World War were a testament to the nation’s innovation and determination in armoured warfare. From the early Matilda II and Valentine models to the more advanced Cromwell, Comet, and Churchill, the WWII British tanks played crucial roles in various campaigns despite their limitations. While often outmatched in firepower or armour by their adversaries, these tanks showcased adaptability and resilience, contributing significantly to the Allied victory.