The Medium Mark I was designed in 1923, in response to the need for a faster, more maneuverable tank. The Mark II appeared in 1925. They were nearly twice as fast as a First World War medium tank, such as the Whippet. The sprung suspension system, made the Medium Mark II more comfortable and capable of firing on the move. A fully rotating turret meant it could fire in all directions.
Although built by both the Royal Ordnance Factory and Vickers Ltd, the Medium tanks have always been known as ‘Vickers Mediums’.
The Tank Museum’s Medium Tank Mark II*
Our vehicle is displayed in the markings of the 5th Battalion Royal Tank Corps with whom it served before the Second World War. By 1940, it was being used for driver training at Bovington Camp. The asterisk or star, in its name, shows that this tank underwent an official modification.
