David Fletcher's Top 5 British Tanks | The Tank Museum

[@Cervando]

We need to start a petition to persuade the Tank Museum to allow David to drive the Rolls-Royce Armoured car. It is a travesty he hasn't done so yet. Like if you agree.

[@kranjcalan]

wanted to like this comment but it was at 69 likes so I didn't=)

[@largol33t1]

Um, is the one running the SAME one he's reviewing? If not, maybe they can find the running version and have him drive it.

[@princeofcupspoc9073]

Score of only 2. Sad really. Maybe make up a story about your grandfather driving one? That usually gets up votes.

[@TheGrrrudy]

make it his daily driver!

[@Cervando]

@@princeofcupspoc907343 minutes later it's 165 😉

[@paulkirkland3263]

"It was the best tank in the world. But only because nobody else had built any." Love it.

[@BoredInAHotel]

‘They all thought the British knew what they were doing - the British didn’t, never have done!’ 😆

[@boscochou9710]

That's a brilliant one.

[@MattThornton87]

Bloody wonderful that comment, I nearly fell of my chair watching him say that! 🤣

[@IsleyNumber1]

From anyone else, it would be anti British sentiment, but this man knows.

[@popuptarget7386]

Nice to know where us Yanks get it from.

[@obelic71]

Never underestimate the fine art of British humour.

[@richardklug822]

David Fletcher and the Rolls Royce armored car...two classics together!

[@thetankmuseum]

Hello, Tank Nuts! We hope you enjoy this week's upload with David Fletcher. Do let us know your thoughts.

[@Th3Bishop3]

My thoughts are the same as always. If you setup a Livestream where he could yak on about tanks for as long as he wanted. I'd be there the whole time.

[@frederickvondinkerberg7721]

I know David doesn't understand his "Celebrity" status but he is simply more precious than all of the tanks you could ever have. It is a joy to watch or listen to him talk on any subject. A true national treasure.

[@StutleyConstable]

@@frederickvondinkerberg7721 I think when David Fletcher retires, the museum needs to install a display dedicated to him. Perhaps a mobile display consisting of a life-size mannequin of him and a recording of his voice describing whichever tank they park his display in front of. Guests could push a button and listen to Mr. Fletcher's anecdotes.

[@itseperkele181]

@@Th3Bishop3 youtube channel draschnfinsfhsfelf does live streams on navy stuff, would be awesome to have something similar with Sir David!

[@LordStarbeard]

Loving it, than you, David and the whole team :)

[@oliburkillcomedy]

Legend. So good to see him back

[@janosskublics7438]

He was probably the first person ever to be referred to as a 'chap' in the 18th century

[@MrMexicanarmy]

How is he so great to listen to and so interesting at the same time

[@Gubbins_McBumbersnoot]

I could listen to him talk about tanks and tell cheeky British jokes all day long

[@matthayward7889]

Every single second is pure gold! Thank you, Mr Fletcher

[@samholdsworth420]

SIR Fletcher to you lol

[@matthayward7889]

@@samholdsworth420 true!

[@georgeflanagan5201]

@@samholdsworth420 Sir David, not Sir Fletcher.

[@hallamhal]

Whichever tank David's stood in front of talking about, that's my favourite tank at that moment!

[@bartonstano9327]

At Purdue University in the USA in the 80's I had a professor Rothenburg who commanded a Rolls Royce armored car in the North African desert as a young British officer in 1940-1941. He told us a story about the car and he actually liked it as a scout car.

[@dennissieg9176]

I remember Rothenburg he was a great and inspiring professor. To bad nobody Videotaped his lectures. There was a wild and probably true war story every week.

[@bartonstano9327]

@@dennissieg9176 His XMAS 1942 story of the mail truck in the mine field was great.

[@howardchambers9679]

@@dennissieg9176 my history teacher back in the early 70's was an ex Commando. "bomber" Reed. Get him talking about the war and no work done for that lesson. "You boy! What are you whispering about"? "He says the German machine guns were better than ours sir" Feet up, lesson over. Who needs to know about photosynthesis anyway

[@TheMetalfreak360]

David Fletcher always brings me a smile. Love to see him talk about his passion.

[@flemishlion69]

Each time is see Mr. Fletcher it make me feel like seeing a grandfather explaining things. Even i never known my grandparents.

[@lucasc5622]

i knew your grandparents. nice people but their dog always bit my ankles

[@Litauen-yg9ut]

Me neither. The joys of my parents emigrating to Canada... bet he's quite the fellow..

[@sunnyjim1355]

If only I could receive a 'Werther's Original' from grandpa David I'd die and go straight to heaven.

[@leeboy26]

@@sunnyjim1355 That's why you shouldn't swallow it too soon.

[@Vespuchian]

I do find it wonderfully endearing that the Hornsby Tractor only behaves itself when it's doing what it was intended to do and hauling something heavy.

[@rayjennings3637]

"It's an ordinary Rolls Royce underneath.", as if any Rolls Royce could be described as ordinary! Just gotta love that man!

[@Ryan-31]

Mr Fletcher has mentioned his admiration for the RR Armored Car before and I had a feeling it would be his top choice. He's spent enough time riding in the back, I would love to see him drive it one day.

[@lutherdorn2206]

I would have a hard time picking five favorite tanks, but Mr Fletcher is easily my favorite tank related personality

[@JTA1961]

amen

[@wolf84357]

The Rolls Royce is over a hundred years old, you can always count on it turning up, and it has done remarkably well. Just like our David Fletcher.

[@Timo-wv3dd]

"You can't drive it, its stuck to the floor!!!" Probably the most quotable presenter ever, anywhere. An absolute boss 🦾

[@robkerle2305]

Can anyone clarify exactly, why, they are stuck to the floor?

[@sunnyjim1355]

@@robkerle2305 In case migrants break in and steal them for scrap.

[@carbon1255]

@@robkerle2305 They aren't literally stuck to the floor.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Kind of like the navy saying of a ship that never puts to sea, "Nailed to the pier!"

[@maxkronader5225]

The man, the moustache, the legend! 😁

[@CabbageFace_]

Amazing to see the legend back!

[@EvMund]

Happy Easter, Tank Santa!

[@MonolophosaurusEnj0yer]

Always nice to see an upload from the tank museum, and even nicer to see Mr Fletcher as part of it!

[@quadcannon]

Long may he live and enjoy life, our Mr. Fletcher.

[@russwoodward8251]

We are fortunate to see David Fletcher with all of his knowledge and frankness. Thanks again.

[@stephenreese5921]

I will miss Mr. Fletchers presentations of all things about tanks! His whit and knowledge will be sorely missed! Thank you, Mr. Fletcher!

[@failsafe1687]

All this time, I never knew David fletcher was the driver of the mark iv in the men in battle series tank episode… awesome

[@Logotic]

Seriously? He drove tanks for movies? Please tell me that's true!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

I'm sure I've seen that series, in the 80's maybe, and loved the sequence of the Mark VII in action! It looked like the guys inside must hve been having the time of their lives although after watching this I realize that might have been not necessarily true!

[@Niterider73]

It appears Mr Fletcher is doing well. Glad to see him in another tank chat. Always a pleasure to see him going strong.

[@codybowen929]

The king returns!!

[@anumeon]

Ahh yes, the A1E1. The tank that the Soviets saw and went "ohh, we like it. let's 'borrow' the design." :)

[@KermitTheGamer21]

Actually, the T-28 was stolen from the Vickers Medium Mk III, not the A1E1

[@wryyyy]

@@KermitTheGamer21 there was also the T-35 which was very Independent inspired.

[@KermitTheGamer21]

@@wryyyy The T-35 was developed from the T-28, and I'm not sure it's any more similar to the A1E1. The A1E1 only has a single tank gun, in the main turret, while the T-35 has two tank guns. FWIW, the Vickers Medium Mk III and the A1E1 were both considered pretty terrible designs but when the T-28 was first built in the early 30s it was considered one of the best tanks in the world at the time.

[@kebabsvein1]

Coming back to this after David announced he was retiring :(

[@kayb9979]

2:38 "Codswallop" : a word that I have admired ever since I was a kid.

[@dastreb4698]

I've heard so many of David's videos and they are an absolute joy to listen to. You can't describe his presentation style as polished or professional but they are and absolute joy to listen to, very informative and interested in what's being said but very matter of fact. Very much like a grandfather on a favourite topic, I'm speaking and I am going to finish regards of if you're listening or not.

[@jordansmith4040]

that mk2 churchill really shows it's WW1 design cues. Just comparing it to later models shows how quickly they learned about modern tank design.

[@henryplantagenet219]

Thank you so much for this video. Dear Mr Fletcher, I am happy to listen to your stories and comments. The way you use language, the way you tell the story - it’s just amazing. I hope to see many more films with Mr David Fletcher! The one and only!

[@michael_aagaard]

Glad to see David Fletcher is still around.

[@sunnyjim1355]

He certainly is still 'around'.

[@Boric78]

Got to let The Chieftain do an inside the hatch on that independent. Would be epic - especially when he tries to stand up inside.

[@rlauder7210]

"Oh bugger, the tank is on fire. *Bump* ow, *bump* ow, ow, ow, ow..."

[@Boric78]

@@rlauder7210 LOL

[@steenlu]

Dear Mr. Fletcher Always a pleasure to hear you. Well done

[@mikereger1186]

Before watching: Centurion has got to be there... Mid-way through: Never expect Fletch to go for tanks that function well :)

[@kippamip]

My likeness of David has just gone up another level. It shouldn't surprise me that the Silver lady is number 1 as it embodies everything British. And he shows his patriotism by choosing all British tanks. That proud stiff upper tash!

[@resonatorneuronium5324]

You have misunderstood the meaning of the word ‘likeness’

[@kippamip]

@@resonatorneuronium5324 OK fun police my admiration or liking. But I wanted to say likeness, because I liked him even more. Who gives a monkey about grammar. Not me the message was understood.

[@mattw785]

We are very happy you DID do the Top 5! THANK YOU!!

[@PUBHEAD1]

Got my Tank model kit to build, my cuppa tea made and biscuits on the side, and ready to settle in with Mr Fletcher to keep me company.

[@lesliepaulkovacs6442]

Always a Blessing to hear from David. Thank you!

[@catlee8064]

The 'tasche is back!!! Long live tank king!

[@buonafortuna8928]

Interesting. I know its wrong for all sorts of reasons but I've always loved that A1E1 from probably my first ever visit half a century ago.

[@funwithmagnus8570]

The way an old British man can just trash talk you or a machine with such a straight face, such seriousness and a calm tone is just amazing to me.

[@user-xf2eq7to1p]

It's very British.

[@dick8193]

You know it's going to be a great video if Mr. Fletcher is standing there.

[@darthcalanil5333]

Fletcher should do a video with the true tank genius, Finn the Doggo

[@Luddite1]

That tractors a great piece of kit and thanks for picking it as I’ve never seen or heard of em before ! And great to see the rolls I’m glad I’m not the only one with a soft spot for them

[@leoarc1061]

That moustache never lies. You are a rare breed Mr. Fletcher. My warmest regards.

[@randomoldbloke]

Thank you, can listen to mr fletcher all day .

[@Geoduck.]

Always a joy and honor to view Mr. Fletcher's chats.

[@jonfoisy1237]

Great video as always. I love all of the videos produced by The Tank Museum. However, David Fletcher's videos are my absolute favorite. I could listen to him ramble on about tanks for hours. In much the same way I could watch old videos of Fred Dibnah rambling on about steam engines.

[@HappySpanners94]

Man, its been a long day, this is exactly what i needed

[@EIixir]

Great to hear from people some willing to share their passion and knowledge.

[@lampshade6967]

Always a pleasure to see Mr.Fletcher

[@MonsoonMoonrock]

Great episode! Lovely to see David talking about the armored vehicles that don't often get a spotlight!

[@davidgoodnow269]

I usually don't watch lists, but I did enjoy this. It revealed things like that tractor and the Rolls-Royce Armored Car that I hadn't suspected the Museum had. I do now have a minor goal of arranging a period gun for that original tractor to have in attendant display.

[@sasquatchishere7453]

Always like hearing from David. Thank you sir.

[@russellnixon9981]

Thank you Mr Fletcher, for your new 5, we are all indebted to you for you have done for the museum.

[@zephod]

Would love to see some video of the Hornsby tractor running. There must be somebody who taped it, fingers crossed they still have it and it will be found.

[@hughfraser7679]

Thanks for another great video!

[@rieger.design]

It's always a pleasure to see a new tank chat with David!

[@Simon_Nonymous]

One of your best David - thank you.

[@BrockvsTV]

Thank you fir all the wonderful content

[@Blitz9H]

My day is better now. Thank you! Cheers!!

[@funzario144]

As always informative and entertaining.

[@busterboy7505]

That was very interesting, never heard of the tractor type vehicle before or the Rolls Royce Armed car, thank you David Fletcher, 👍👍.

[@johndoerayme7064]

Priceless, and not just the tanks.

[@andrewdrabble8939]

Another very informative video from The Legend. Brilliant stuff

[@johnbirch7639]

Thankyou David, you make your talks most interesting.

[@tommeakin1732]

David Fletcher's...Top 5...British Tanks.... **Squints suspiciously at the date to see if it's the first of April**

[@ltjamescoopermason8685]

Entertaining interesting and entertaining thanks guys !😎👍

[@joebwan0240]

David Fletcher has the best personality and attitude. If I grow up to have 1/2 the character and personality of David, I will be happy.

[@thedreadednortherner2351]

Ever since I've heard David fletcher been referred as TANK JESUS on a KZbin video I can't get it out of my head🤣🤣

[@Rich77UK]

Bless you David. You're insight and experiences are fascinating listening. Enjoy your rest my friend.

[@lukeskywalker3329]

The number one . Rolls Royce armoured car . Very handy with it's truck tray . Gets my vote too ! 🙂

[@mudcrab3420]

I love the Independent. It gets mocked by some but it needs to be remembered where it had come from in terms of tank evolution. This vehicle was designed straight after (or maybe during) the end of the Great War. The wisdom at the time was that 'heavy' tanks did the breakthrough by crossing the trenches and ditches and suppressing all and sundry with massed MG fire. Look at the MkVIII - long to cross trenches, machine guns in all directions. Look at the Independent - long to cross trenches, machine guns in all directions. Just turrets to replace the sponson mountings. The evolution to me at least is pretty clear. Of course in practice it was too expensive and wasn't quite working properly and the Vickers Mediums came in instead. The Mediums ditched the length (pun intended) but kept the idea of machine guns in all directions. Good Vid. All Hail David!

[@hpholland]

Protect this man at all costs

[@Isgonesomewhere]

"Everybody seemed to think the British knew what they were doing" destroyed me, thank you Mr Fletcher and The Tank Museum. I shall be seeing you soon!

[@prof_kaos9341]

I read an account from 1917 of a Rolls Royce armoured car that got into the German rear areas. It's mobility advantage over the tanks meant the Germans couldn't bring up any arty to end it's raid. It spent an hour or 2 causing chaos until (having taken extra) it ran out of ammo. As per armoured doctrine, once behind the front lines it got busy. There was little for it to fear and much to shoot. It was very interesting to read of what just one armoured car with only a machine gun could do. With no NLAWS or even a Molotov cocktail it "ruled all it could see."

[@grahamlowe314]

Are you confuseing that with the “ music box “ a whippet tank at the battle of Amien in 1918

[@prof_kaos9341]

@@grahamlowe314 could be, the story fits & it was yrs ago that i read it. I just read Musical Box's action is considered the 1st breakthrough attack by a mechanised unit. I often wonder if it was the experience of defending the first tank attacks that started Germany on the road to "Bewegungskreig" while the Brits missed the boat having never had the experience of even one armoured unit running amok in it's rear areas. Liddel Hart & Fuller tried but the Old Boys wanted to stick with the tried & true.

[@Leatherface123.]

Any time I see David I instantly get happy

[@vikingpowered868]

If Ian McCollum is gun-Jesus, David Fletcher got to be tank-Moses..

[@ripvanwinkle2002]

Mr Fletcher is a UK treasure. you are so lucky to have a man of such humble wit and insight

[@wingshad0w00982]

What makes a 'top 5 tanks' for someone is as varied as it can be. And Fletchers is as good as any. And also fun to hear too.

[@BRIANJAMESGIBB]

That was lovely, thank you :)

[@fuferito]

David Fletcher. The beating heart of these ancient machines of war.

[@jazzfan6]

I always loved the design of the Mark IV, with its tracks encircling the entire profile of the main body.

[@RaduB.]

A surprising choice for the no. 1!... But I agree, it's an interesting vehicle. And an historically important one. It was also used in the desert. I've learnt about it from one of Mr. Fletcher's books. 🙂👍

[@MrShbbz]

A true legend. Thank you for your insights.

[@gwoody4003]

David is my favorite presenter on this channel. He has the most interesting bits of information and anecdotes. You can tell he would happily talk about tanks for hours. I also enjoy the rare chance we get to have with Lindy Beige cus... its Lindy Beige. Its hard to match that level of enthusiasm and humor. I would like to see Lloyd and Squire team up and do an edutainment program... be like an educational episode of Monty Python.

[@bigblue6917]

I saw that when it was at Beverley. And as, like David, I am a big fan of the Churchill it was quite something to see it. The also had a Comet tank as well. Which is also on my list of tanks I am a big fan off. In case you're wondering. The tanks there before David was there was a couple of Mark IVs and an FT. All of which were still in service.

[@j.robertsergertson4513]

My favorite all time tank is "little Willie" because it was the Great Grand Father of all tanks and it's mentioned in a famous WW 1 song.

[@brianknezevich9894]

David Fletcher should be officially recognized by the British Government as a national historic treasure. Also, I particularly like the Independent, #5, just because it's so rediculus - there are lists of best and worst tanks, but there ought be lists of... Peculiar designs, methinks.

[@7isAnOddNumber]

Tank Santa returns once again, merry Tank Christmas

[@darylfraser7353]

Easter morning with David Fletcher. Couldn’t be better.

[@michaelguerin56]

Thank you. A most illuminating video from the master.

[@divarachelenvy]

great show matey.

[@slingerssecretlaboratory]

David is still my favorite curator

[@AsbestosMuffins]

#3 is interesting because we have older tractors or those of similar vintage running at fairs and such here in the states

[@booradley6832]

Mr. Fletcher should play an eccentric professor in movies. The look is just so perfect. His eyebrows are amazing. Especially with such a well spoke, gentle manner and a high degree of expertise. None of these comments are made in a derogatory manner in any way. If you need an agent, David, call me. I have no experience but I think you're a commodity that will sell itself(and I will ride to fame on your coattails.)

[@treadheadpete4770]

Fantastic list!