The Light Mk II

Matador kit 76B-25, research by Eoin May

Further development of the Mk Ia light tank resulted in the Mk II of 1931. This series used the hull of the Mk Ia, standardised the suspension as the Horstmann coil spring type, along with a totally new rectangular turret, which had sufficient space in the rear for a radio. A new Meadows engine was initially fitted, but during the period 1932 to 1935 these were replaced by Rolls Royce power plants in all 66 tanks. Various experiments were carried out on transmission, steering, ventilation, etc. the pilot models were designated A4E13 to A4E15. One, possibly two, examples were built with close riveting, waterproofing, collapsible mahogany floats, and an outboard motor. Amphibious trials were undertaken off Portsmouth. These tanks weighed 4.25 tons, measured 11ft 9in x 6ft 3.5in x 6ft 7.5in, and had armour varying between 4mm and 10mm. The 66hp, 6 cylinder engine gave a top speed of 35 mph. Armament was a single Vickers 0.303in machine gun, of a new design. This gun had a rotary magazine, which required less space, and ejected spent cases into a canvas bag outside the turret, thus preventing them jamming the turret ring. The amphibious version had an approximate speed of 3 knots in the water.

During 1931 further orders were placed with the Royal Ordnance for 29 tanks, and with Vickers for 21 tanks. The Woolwich tanks became the Mk IIa, and the Vickers the Mk IIb. The main difference between these two being in the fuel storage arrangements. The Mk IIa having two fuel tanks, one on the right side track guard, and a second, armoured, tank on the rear sloping plate. The Mk IIb had a single large tank on the right side. Both models had only two return rollers instead of the three of the Mk II. An adjustable front air vent was incorporated into both these latter models. The original No.1 Mk I turret was replaced by the No.1 Mk II turret, distinguished by the protected air vents along the top of each side of the turret. Designation for the experimental models in these series was A4E16 to A4E18. In 1940 some were fitted with Mk III light tank suspension units, and served in the Western Desert and Egypt.

A further major variant was the Indian Pattern Mk IIb, which was fitted out for use in the sub-continent. The main distinguishing feature being the large non-rotating cupola on the turret. Modified armoured cooling louvers were also fitted on the right side, and a guard added over the exhaust silencer.

A LAD version was also produced by replacing the turret with fixed structures. These light aid division vehicles were to provide minimal mechanical assistance in the field.

Used in the reconnaissance role, these vehicles were driven at high speed over all terrains, which led to severe problems of cracking of the upper hull plate, and to wheel misalignment.

Sources Mechanised Force - David Fletcher

Information sources Bellona series 21 number 83(uk)

Mechanised Force by David Fletcher

Tanks of the World 1915 - 1945 by Peter Chamberlain and Chris Ellis