The A.9 Cruiser, also known as the Medium Mark I, played a significant role in shaping the evolution of British tank design throughout the designated period, leaving a lasting impact on subsequent developments.

Despite bearing the visual resemblance of a prototype, the A.9 Cruiser was deployed to the battlefield, defying initial expectations and assumptions. Its presence not only influenced the design of contemporary tanks but also contributed to the advancement of military technology and strategic warfare during that era.

The vehicle’s hull was based on the failed Vickers Medium Mk.III, with noticeable resemblance. Sir John Carden was tasked to adapt and produce the prototype, but his untimely death cut short his involvement.

The new prototype, A.9E1, utilized a mix of commercial and readily available parts, resulting in a bizarre design.

The tank was fitted with the excellent 2-pounder gun, which was compact, quick-firing, and accurate by 1936 standards. It was lethal to almost any tank in the world at 1,000 yards and remained so for about five years, though it continued in service for some time after.

However, it did not have an effective high explosive round, so soft targets had to be dealt with by machine gun. As the main anticipated opponent of the Cruiser tank was expected to be enemy tanks, this was not yet a primary concern.

To save weight and maintain speed, the armor protection was limited to just 14 mm of steel plate. This thickness could withstand small arms and light machine guns, but little else, especially at close range.

Additionally, the armor was bolted on while other nations had already switched to welding, which increased the risk of the plates shearing or splintering when hit, posing a danger to the crew.

The inclusion of two secondary turrets at the front of the vehicle was an outdated choice that added little combat value and increased the crew size unreasonably, creating shot traps and increasing the likelihood of damage to the vehicle.

From a games perspective the A9 is weak in armour but does have a 2pdr gun which was quite powerful for 1940. At a list four choice it is a quite a reasonable choice.

If your opponent is unlikely to have any armour available the Vickers MK.VI is probably a better anti-infantry choice.

The Crusader III, introduced in late 1942, faced increasingly formidable adversaries on the battlefield. It encountered not only 37 and 50 mm guns, but also high velocity 75 mm guns in both towed and tank configurations, posing significant threats.

Additionally, the German forces deployed various makeshift anti-tank weapons, such as the Pak 97/38s and Pak 36(r), further challenging the effectiveness of the Crusader III. In response to these escalating threats, the British introduced the Sherman tank around the same time.

The Sherman proved to be a substantial advancement, capable of withstanding hits from 75 mm guns and maintaining operational capability, marking a pivotal development in armored warfare during that period.

Even the British themselves considered the Crusader a dead end. The Cavalier tank based on its components was a failure and Crusader chassis were repurposed into utility vehicles rather than receive further upgrades.

The disappointing performance of the Crusader led to the exploration of alternative designs, eventually leading to the development of more successful tank models. Despite its initial setbacks, the lessons learned from the Crusader project paved the way for significant advancements in British tank technology, shaping the future of armored warfare for years to come.

Additionally, the experience gained from repurposing Crusader chassis into utility vehicles contributed to the versatility of the British military’s vehicle fleet, demonstrating their ability to adapt and maximize resources even in the face of challenges.

PS Following the photography of the tanks I noticed a problem. I was given most of my 20mm tanks ages ago most assembled. These ones were S Models, but the wrong turrets was attached to the Crusader Mk1 and Mk3.

I have since remedied this, although prying them off without damaging them was no mean feat!

With the right turrets

Crusader tanks were designed to complement Infantry Tanks and were characterized by their light armor, good range, and speed.

They featured a narrow and long hull with a multifaceted turret and a suspension system designed for fast travel.

Armed with a two-pounder anti-tank gun, a 7.92mm Besa mg, a two-inch bomb thrower, and a second Besa MG in a small auxiliary turret,

Crusader tanks were representative of British tank design of the period.

The CruiserA15, Crusader Mk1 differed from later versions in having a separate machine gun turret.

The MkIII tomorrow.

PS Following the photography of the tanks I noticed a problem. I was given most of my 20mm tanks ages ago most assembled. These ones were S Models, but the wrong turrets was attached to the Crusader Mk1 and Mk3.

I have since remedied this, although prying them off without damaging them was no mean feat!

With the right turrets.

The Mk III weighed 14.2 t, had a crew of 4, a 340 hp engine which gave a top speed of 48 km/h and was armed with a 40 mm 2 pounder gun and a machine gun.

However, when it was introduced into service in 1937, the Army still lacked a formal tank division. 

The trackless element of the Christie suspension was discarded as adding little value for the extra complexity.

As these are identical I think they are an “S model” 1+1 kit

For “Chain of Command the Cruiser Mk III, A13 Mk.I Tank is a List 5 Support option

This makes it an expensive option as the A9 and A10 as List four options are both better value for the same or superior stats.

They are a nice looking gtank if somewhat angular in profile.

Some more “Cruisers” tomorrow.

I was given these M13/40 tanks painted by a friend who thought I could add them to my 20mm Australians. I thought it was a great idea, but I wanted to do some more research.

He had even painted the kangaroo emblem on the sides of each tank.

The above photo Australian War Memorial (AWM) catalog number 005042. Captured Italian Armato M13/40 (far left) and M11/39 (middle and right) tanks being used by the Australian 6th Division Cavalry Regiment during the capture of Tobruk.

Here is a M13/40 receiving its kangaroo.

The first actual battle using armour by Australians in World War II was by the Sixth Division cavalry regiment using captured Italian M11 tanks at Tobruk, as their own were still coming.

The only evidence I can find of M13/40 tanks being used are in the two photos above and these may even be the same vehicle. As a result I have decided to retire them from the Australian forces and send them back to Grazziani!

Here they are with the kangaroo over painted. It took three coats to stop the white bleeding through!

The Italians now have a sizeable force of Mq3/40’s

This is the penultimate armoured car with just the Morris CS9 to be put together and painted (probably next week).

The MkII was a clear improvement, with a slightly longer wheelbase, real four-wheel drive and welding assembly for the later part of the nearly 900-built.

The initial armament was unchanged in the Union Defense Forces (Mobile Field Force model), with two Bren-guns (one turret, one in a hull left ball mount), but the British “Middle East models”, serving in North Africa, received a redesigned turret equipped with an extra Boys 14 mm (0.55 in) antitank rifle, with a coaxial Bren 7.7 mm (0.3 in).

It was later equipped with additional mounts for an extra AA Bren and/or a rear AA pintle mount for a Vickers cal.303 (7.7 mm).

The Mark II was more agile in the desert, but suffered from poor protection, despite an angular shape with well-balanced slopes.

They also had extra fixations for spare parts, tires, extra storage or sand recovery/unbogging ramps.

Many makeshift armament and modifications were added during the course of the conflict. Production comprised 338 vehicles of the British “Middle East” version and 549 of the MFF or “Mobile Field Force”.

Hopefully the second Australian Platoon will be finished for tomorrow as there is just washing, dry brushing and a bit of basing to go.

As they can be used in “Chain of Command” in the early North African campaign I have decided to include this model for completeness although, along with its colleagues from the Duke of Westminster’s Regiment, the Cheshire Yeomanry, has been completed for a long time.

Although they weren’t suitable for use during WW1 on the Western Front, once trench warfare began, the Army sent them to fight in the Middle East where they proved very successful. After the First World War, a new generation called the Rolls Royce 1920 Pattern were built and saw action in Ireland, Shanghai and Egypt.

They were used during WW2 for patrol duties along the British coastline and saw action in North Africa.

This one is shown operating in WW2 during the attack on Bardia.

They are a very old resin cast from a UK manufacturer I have long forgotten. I purchased a lot of Armoured Cars and Model T’s for WW1 in Palestine gaming, and at the time was very impressed with their service and willingness to help out. Thanks whoever you are!

For “Chain of Command” they are a List Three support.

Here is the Duke of Westminster’s Regiment fighting to rescue the Crew of the Tara

Note the T-Model Ford with Airfix WW2 Australian crew cut off at the waist!

The Duke of Westminster’s squadron of armoured cars attack the Senussi camp at Asisa in Tripoli in mid-March 1916. They were based on Rolls Royce cars which the Duke was able to purchase due to his very healthy bank balance. The illustration, by Caton Woodville, is taken from The Great World War, a History, vol 5 edited by Frank A Mumby (Gresham Publishing)

Despite its age the Rolls Royce armoured car was still the equivalent of the MkII Marmon-Herrington that should be finished for tomorrow.

Some more support for the 20mm Australians

A Humber MkI Scout Car and a Humber MkII Armoured Car.

These were used extensively during the early campaigns in North Africa but were no match for their DAK counterparts when they arrived.

This vehicle began its career in Great Britain in late 1940 and was deployed in North Africa by the end of 1941 for reconnaissance purposes. In different theaters of operation, like Eastern Africa, it performed more offensive roles. In Europe, it served in Italy, France, the Low Countries, and patrolled the Iranian supply route, also supporting Indian divisions in Burma against the Japanese.

After the war, surplus Humbers were sold to various countries including Egypt, Burma, Ceylon, Cyprus, Denmark, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Portugal. In India, the Humbers took part in Operation Polo in 1948, served as the president’s bodyguard convoy escort, and played a role in the defense of the Chushul heights during the 1962 Indo-China War expedition.

Although initially selected, the Daimler Dingo production in 1940 couldn’t meet the high demand for scout cars. Humber proposed similar vehicles, leading to the production of a Dingo-like vehicle with a partially open top and unarmoured floor in 1942. This provided some protection against weather but not against shrapnel.

The Humber Scout Car had a crew of two seated side by side, a driver and machine-gunner, with an emergency seat for a third member. The Daimler Scout had a No. 19 radio set and extra storage space. It weighed over 3 tonnes in battle order and was larger and taller than the Dingo, making it less agile on the battlefield. There were hatches in the roof for access and exit.

Some more Armoured Cars coming of the production line soon.

The Marmon-Herrington Armoured Car, was a series of armoured vehicles produced in South Africa and adopted by the British Army during World War II.

The first version, the “South African Reconnaissance Vehicle” Mk I, entered service in 1940. It was a long wheelbase four wheeled chassis with drive to only one axle. It was armed with two Vickers machine guns: one in a cylindrical turret and the other in the left hand side of the hull.

There were two large access doors in the rear. It saw a brief action against the Italian forces in the Western Desert and thereafter relegated to training use. Some were given to Greece and fought during the German invasion of Greece, but proved inadequate against the Germans.

The Marmon-Herrington MkI is a List Three support choice for British and Empire forces in North Africa formChain of Command

The model is an unknown 3D print. The printing “pock marks” gives a very sandstorm damaged look.

The Australian Platoon in North Africa was an exact replica of the British Infantry Platoon.

The Australian platoon consisted of three squads, each with a Bren Gun, and a headquarters section with a Boys anti-tank rifle and a 50mm mortar.

Designed for ” Chain of Command” rules with teams and sections, each section consists of a rifle team of six men, a Bren gun team of three men and an NCO junior leader.

The three infantry sections are the same.

Junior Leader

Bren Gun team

Rifleman Team

The 2″ mortar attached to the HQ.

A Britannia Boys anti-tank rifle team

The platoon Lieutenant or Senior Leader.

The Platoon Sergeant, another Senior Leader

I have two more squads to complete but will finish off some support options in between, over the next week or so.

All of the Australian figures are from Eureka Miniatures and Britannia Miniatures.