British Tank Crewman 1939-45

Great Britain had introduced the tank to the world during World War I, and maintained its lead in armored warfare with the "Experimental Mechanized Force" during the late 1920s, watched with interest by German advocates of Blitzkrieg. Despite these successes, the Experimental Mechanised Force was disbanded in the 1930s, making Britain relatively unprepared for World War II, both in terms of armored doctrine and equipment. This fully illustrated new study examines the men who crewed the tanks of Britain's armored force during World War II, which was only four battalions large in 1939. It looks at the recruitment and training of the vast numbers of men required, their equipment, appearance and combat experience in every theater of the war as the British armored division sought to catch up with the German Panzers.

Neil Grant has a degree in archaeology, and has worked for English Heritage and Historic England. He has written several volumes for Osprey Publishing, including Warrior 183: British Tank Crewman 1939-45. Neil is a Trustee of the Royal Armouries and a committee member of the Ordnance Society. He also runs the social media page for the membership organization of the Tank Museum in Bovington, UK.

Introduction Chronology Recruitment and Enlistment Training Appearance and Equipment Belief and Belonging Conditions of Service Experience of Battle After the Battle Collections and Museums Glossary