The development of the tank - the Armoured Farmers' view

[Stephen White]

Malcolm Cleverley served in 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, the "Armoured Farmers" (3 RTR traditionally recruited from the agricultural West of England). He's written a short summary of the evolution of the tank from a British tankie's perspective.

3 RTR has long since been amalagated into the RTR, the world's oldest tank regiment. Third Tanks was in action throughout Workd War Two and a war weary trooper was once famously quoted as saying to a general:

"There's only two Thirds in this war, Third Reich and Third Tanks".

Here's Malcolm's piece, hope you enjoy:

http://www.greenflash.org.uk/tanks/tankdesign.html

Stephen

[IAN HINKS]

I strongly advise spending an hour reading some of the other stories on this site. My Saturday morning has been spent laughing my head off at the antics which rival many of my similar experiences on a Harrier squadron. Thanks for sharing the link Stephen.
Gunner.

[Adrian Harris]

I've just been reading Malcolm's book "Armoured Farmers" and there was a description of the Standards parade in the 80's. On a whim, I put that into YouTube and found this:



Skip to 04:47 for the Chieftains, and 04:59 for a WW1 Mark V in running order.

Very interesting to have read Malcolm's description first

And I wonder if there are any familiar faces under those berets ?

Adrian.

[Robert Reid]

Malcolm Cleverley served in 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, the "Armoured Farmers" (3 RTR traditionally recruited from the agricultural West of England). He's written a short summary of the evolution of the tank from a British tankie's perspective.

3 RTR has long since been amalagated into the RTR, the world's oldest tank regiment. Third Tanks was in action throughout Workd War Two and a war weary trooper was once famously quoted as saying to a general:

"There's only two Thirds in this war, Third Reich and Third Tanks".

Here's Malcolm's piece, hope you enjoy:

http://www.greenflash.org.uk/tanks/tankdesign.html

Stephen

I will be reading this tonight... looks fascinating.

I'd argue, however, that the soldiers of Patton's Third Army "might" have something to say about the Third Tanks quote! Fortunately, there is probably room for a 'third' Third in the war!

Fascinating stuff and thanks for posting!

Cheers,

RPR

P.S. No. 3 Commando, part of 1st Special Services Brigade, might have chimed in as well...."

[Mark Heaps]

Having read through the link, yes definitely done with the typical squaddie humour. Very enjoyable.

Mark