The Vickers Medium Tank

This vehicle was introduced in the 1920s, and was a considerable advance over the earlier WW I style vehicles, having a rotating turret and a good turn of speed, an impression of which can be gained from the above picture. It ran to two principal marks, with a number of sub-marks and variants. The construction was on a frame, as can be seen below

SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL MARKS

All Marks

• Max Speed: 18mph, ~10mph crosscountry
• Crew: 5
• Radius: 120 miles
• Engine:Armstrong Siddeley V8, 90bhp, air cooled

Main Distinguishing Features for Different Types

Type	Weight (tons)	Main Armament	MGs	Comments
Mk I	11.7	3 pdr	4 x 0.303" Hotchkiss, 2 x 0.303" Vickers
Mk IA	11.9	3 pdr	4 x 0.303" Hotchkiss, 2 x 0.303" Vickers	Bevelled rear of turret for AA Hotchkiss MG
Mk IA*	12	3 pdr	3 x 0.303" Vickers	Bishopsmitre cupola. Co-axial MG
Mk II	13.2	3 pdr Mk II	4 x 0.303" Hotchkiss, 2 x 0.303" Vickers	Hinged skirting plates. New drivers  hood above hull line.
Mk II*	13.5	3 pdr Mk II	3 x 0.303" Vickers	Co-axial MG
Mk II**		3 pdr Mk II	3 x 0.303" Vickers	Bustle for wireless set
Mk IIA	13.5	3 pdr Mk II	3 x 0.303" Vickers	No rear turret bevel. Armoured box rising above hull line on LH forextract fan
Mk IIA*	13.5	3 pdr Mk II	3 x 0.303" Vickers	Bustle for wireless set
CS versions		3.7" howitzer		"Close support" versions

Predecessors, Variants and Successors

Vickers Light Tank 1921, No 1 Main armament was 4 x Vickers MGs. No 2 was armed with a 3 pdr. These vehicles were the immediate  predecessors of the Vickers Medium Mk I, but were not adopted for service	Bridging Vehicle This was an attempt to build a bridging system using the Medium Mk II It was not adopted.
Medium II Box Tank, 1928   An early form of armoured command vehicle. One vehicle built.	Wheel and Track Tank Based on a Medium Mark 1 - an attempt to overcome track wear
Vickers Medium C This was built for Japan, and was based on the Medium Mk II chassis. It was armed with a 6pdr.

Thanks to Chris Evans for pictures from his private collection. Other sources include AFV 1919/40 (Profile) and Mechanised force by David Fletcher (HMSO)

(pre-GS 'A' number designations)