Mk VII Tetrarch light tank

The Light Tank Mk VII (A17): A British Gem of the Late 1930s

Imagine a time when tanks were not just machines of war but also symbols of innovation and ingenuity. The Light Tank Mk VII (A17), better known as the Tetrarch, was one such gem. Produced by Vickers-Armstrongs in the late 1930s, this tank aimed to improve upon its predecessor with a 2-pounder gun but faced numerous challenges that limited its use on the battlefield.

Design Flaws and Production

The Tetrarch relied on a unique steering method and mechanical system designed to reduce strain and power wastage. However, these innovations came with their own set of problems. The prototype was tested as a possible ‘light cruiser’ in 1938 but was deemed unsuitable due to the Nuffield A13’s superior performance. Despite this setback, the War Office decided to produce a limited number of tanks, starting in July 1940.

But production faced numerous delays caused by World War II battles and Luftwaffe bombing raids. The result was a low production number, estimated between 100 and 177 tanks. This scarcity made the Tetrarch a rare gem indeed!

Airborne Operations: A Unique Role

Interestingly, the name ‘Tetrarch’ was given to this tank in September 1941 on orders from the War Office. Despite its vulnerability, it was chosen for use by Britain’s airborne forces due to its unique design and suitability for glider transport.

The Tetrarch saw action during several operations, including Madagascar and Normandy. In Madagascar, ‘B’ Special Service Squadron used six Valentines and six Tetrarchs to break through Vichy French defences. The Tetrarchs were also part of the 1st Airborne Division’s training exercises in January 1944, with over 2,800 lifts conducted during these operations.

Combat Performance: A Mixed Bag

The Tetrarch performed poorly in combat due to its inferior firepower and armor. Its unique design made it suitable for airborne operations but not as a conventional tank. Only three incidents resulted in fatalities or injuries, with seven pilots killed during training.

When redesignated as an airborne tank, several changes were made, including replacing 2-pounder guns with a 76mm infantry support howitzer and adding Littlejohn adaptors. However, these modifications did not fully address the Tetrarch’s design flaws, leading to continued challenges in combat operations.

Deployment and Legacy

The Tetrarch was initially deployed in Britain but saw action in the USSR under Lend-Lease. Soviet authorities found it controllable, manoeuvrable, and suitable for combat, using it alongside other tanks or as a replacement.

In Normandy, ‘A’ Squadron of the 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment faced significant losses due to equipment failure and mechanical issues. Despite these setbacks, they conducted reconnaissance operations and engaged German infantry and armour effectively.

Replacement and Retirement

The majority of Tetrarchs were replaced by Cromwell fast cruiser tanks in August for the planned breakout from Normandy. By October 1944, Operation Tonga was the last combat operation for the remaining Tetrarchs, which were then retired and replaced with M22 Locusts.

Preserved Treasures

A small number of Tetrarchs remained in service with the 3rd Hussars until 1949. Two preserved examples can be seen today: one at The Tank Museum in England and another at the Kubinka Tank Museum in Russia, fitted with an Ordnance QF 3-inch howitzer.

The Light Tank Mk VII (A17) or Tetrarch, a British gem of the late 1930s, remains an intriguing piece of history. Its unique design and limited production make it a rare and valuable artifact in the annals of military technology.