British Inter-war Tanks: A Curious Case of Overseas Production

During the period between the two World Wars, the British Army sought to modernise its armoured forces. While the United Kingdom was a leading innovator in tank design, a curious trend emerged: the commissioning of certain armoured vehicles to be built outside of Britain. This decision was driven by a confluence of factors, including production capacity, strategic considerations, and the specific requirements of the evolving military landscape. This article delves into the reasons behind this inter-war decision, examining the types of vehicles involved, their design philosophies, and their eventual roles on the battlefield.

The Need for Modernisation

Following the immense industrial effort of the First World War, the British Army found itself with a diverse, albeit somewhat dated, collection of armoured fighting vehicles. The inter-war years presented an opportunity to rationalise and upgrade this force. The development of tanks had been rapid during the Great War, and by the 1920s and 1930s, new concepts and technologies were emerging. Britain was at the forefront of much of this innovation, experimenting with various designs to meet the challenges of modern warfare. However, the sheer demand for these new vehicles, coupled with the need to maintain a robust industrial base for other defence priorities, led to a strategic decision to outsource the production of some specific types of armoured vehicles.

Types of Vehicles and Their Purpose

The vehicles in question were primarily smaller, lighter tanks designed for specific roles, often in colonial policing and training. These were not the heavy, breakthrough tanks envisioned for major European engagements, but rather versatile machines suited for a range of imperial duties. They were generally lighter than contemporary light tanks, often weighing around 5 tonnes, and were crewed by two or three men.

Early Models

The earlier iterations of these tanks were equipped with either the QF 3 pdr (Quick Firing 3-pounder) gun or a Vickers machine gun. These were intended for roles where a significant combat capability was not the primary requirement, but rather a degree of protection and firepower for patrol and internal security duties. Their design reflected the needs of an empire with vast territories to manage and a need for mobile, protected platforms for colonial forces.

Later Developments

As the inter-war period progressed, designs evolved. Later models saw an increase in crew size and armament. Some were fitted with a heavier machine gun, such as the 0.50 inch version of the Vickers machine gun or the 15mm Besa machine gun. They could also be armed with a combination of .303 or 7.92mm Besa machine guns. These upgrades reflected a growing understanding of the potential for these light vehicles to engage in more significant, albeit still limited, combat scenarios. Despite these improvements, they were generally considered under-gunned and under-armoured for the demands of large-scale armoured warfare, particularly when compared to the tanks being developed for the main armoured divisions.

Reasons for Overseas Production

The decision to build these tanks outside Britain was multifaceted:

• Production Capacity: While Britain possessed a strong industrial base, prioritising the production of heavier, more advanced tanks for the main army might have strained its manufacturing capabilities. Outsourcing the production of lighter, simpler designs allowed for greater overall output of armoured vehicles.
• Cost-Effectiveness: In some instances, manufacturing in other countries, particularly within the Commonwealth, could have been more cost-effective. This allowed the British Army to acquire a larger number of vehicles for a given budget.
• Imperial Requirements: The vehicles were often intended for use by Commonwealth forces or in colonial territories. Building them closer to these theatres of operation could simplify logistics and reduce transportation costs.
• Specialised Expertise: Certain overseas manufacturers may have possessed specialised expertise or production lines that were particularly well-suited to the specific requirements of these lighter armoured vehicles.

Combat Deployment

Despite their intended roles, these vehicles did see action, sometimes in unexpected theatres. Some of these tanks saw service in France and the Low Countries in 1940, facing more heavily armed German counterparts. While they proved to be outmatched in direct combat, their speed and agility allowed them to perform reconnaissance and screening roles. By 1941, however, most of these particular types of tanks had been withdrawn from front-line service, deemed unsuitable for the evolving demands of the Second World War. They were often replaced by more capable designs or relegated to training roles.

The Daimler Scout Car: A Case Study

A particularly interesting example of an inter-war armoured vehicle development with an international dimension is the Daimler Scout Car, also known as the Daimler Dingo. This vehicle, while primarily built in Britain, had a Canadian counterpart, the Lynx Scout Car, which utilised the Daimler body on a Ford chassis. This highlights the collaborative nature of defence production during this era.

Design and Purpose

The Daimler Scout Car was conceived as a fast, inconspicuous reconnaissance vehicle. Its primary role was to gather intelligence and evade direct engagement, rather than to fight. It was smaller and more lightly armed than armoured cars, typically featuring a fixed fighting compartment instead of a turret. The BSA design was chosen by the War Office, with the first order placed in May 1939. Developed by BSA in 1938, it carried a crew of two and was protected by up to 30mm of armour. Its rear-mounted engine powered a Daimler fluid flywheel and preselector gearbox, allowing for equal speed in both forward and reverse, a significant design feature. All versions were four-wheel drive, with a top speed of 55mph, relying on this speed for survival.

Evolution and Modifications

The initial design featured four-wheel steering, which was later removed due to difficulties for inexperienced drivers and the risk of rollovers at high speed. The original version had frontal armour only, but the War Office later requested all-round armour and a folding roof. This added weight necessitated stronger suspension and a more powerful engine.

The Daimler Scout Car was notable for being in production from the outbreak of war in 1939 until 1945, with significant numbers produced annually. Its combat record was extensive, with widespread use by British and Commonwealth forces.

Combat Performance

The Mk I saw service in France in 1940, where its size and limited firepower were seen as advantages, keeping it focused on its scouting role. Crews desired a more stable mount for the Bren gun and the removal of the all-wheel steering. The vehicle participated in the Dieppe Raid in 1942 and played a crucial role in the Normandy campaign. Reconnaissance regiments relied heavily on Daimler Scout Cars for identifying gaps in German lines and reporting enemy positions. Their value was particularly evident after the breakout from Normandy and the crossing of the Rhine, leading advances into Germany. They also served as mobile observation posts for artillery units, scouts for the Royal Engineers, and staff cars.

Marks and Features

Specifications (Mk III)

• Production: 6,626
• Hull Length: 10ft 5in
• Hull Width: 5ft 7.75in
• Height: 4ft 11in
• Crew: 2
• Weight: 3 tons
• Engine: 55hp Daimler 18hp 6-cylinder engine
• Max Speed: 55mph
• Max Range: 200 miles
• Armament: One .303in Bren LMG
• Armour: 30mm max (front)

Conclusion

The decision to build certain armoured vehicles outside Britain during the inter-war period was a pragmatic response to the complex demands of military modernisation and imperial defence. While these vehicles may not have been the most advanced on the battlefield, they filled crucial niche roles, particularly in reconnaissance and colonial policing. The Daimler Scout Car, with its innovative design and extensive service record, exemplifies the success of this strategic approach, demonstrating that effective military capability could be achieved through a combination of domestic innovation and international collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why did Britain build armoured vehicles outside its borders during the inter-war years?
Britain commissioned overseas production primarily to supplement its own manufacturing capacity, manage costs, and better meet the logistical needs of imperial duties. This allowed for a greater overall output of armoured vehicles without overstretching domestic resources.

Q2: What types of armoured vehicles were built abroad?
The vehicles built abroad were generally smaller, lighter tanks designed for specific roles such as colonial policing and training. They were often less heavily armed and armoured than tanks intended for frontline combat in major European theatres.

Q3: Did these vehicles see combat?
Yes, some of these vehicles did see combat, particularly in the early stages of the Second World War in France and the Low Countries in 1940. However, they were often outmatched and were subsequently withdrawn from front-line service.

Q4: What was the role of the Daimler Scout Car/Dingo?
The Daimler Scout Car was designed as a fast, inconspicuous reconnaissance vehicle, intended to gather intelligence and evade enemy contact. It was agile, lightly armed, and relied on its speed and small size to survive.

Q5: Was the armoured roof removed in later marks of the Daimler Scout Car?
Yes, the armoured roof was removed in the Mk III version of the Daimler Scout Car, reflecting the tendency for it to be removed by crews in service during earlier marks.