Evolution of British Tanks | Animated History

[@TheArmchairHistorian]

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[@Vongoat]

Alr

[@ryleeculla5570]

I never knew that the British had a light tank in ww1

[@ryleeculla5570]

The Cromwell never had 100mm of armor

[@chheinrich8486]

more evolution, french tank next, but not japanese tanks, not as interesting, but more aircraft videso also

[@samanyupalthi]

@@ryleeculla5570 yes thats ridiculous amount pf armour for the speed and manuerability of Cromwell! The Turret front an dgun mantlet might have high armour but the rest was not that good!

[@tjal8709]

I love that you included David Fletcher from The Tank Museum in the segment on the Crusader! Genuinely very wholesome to see 😊

[@StarlordStavanger]

I noticed the same thing! Great to see I was like " OH MY GOODNESS IT CANNOT BE!"

[@comediccarnage8059]

I saw that and immediately came to the comments to see if anyone noticed, and wouldn’t ya know…

[@commiedoggo8367]

Always happy to see the tank jesus

[@TheQuestionMarkWasEmphasized]

Hats off to David Fletcher!

[@digitalfortressmining5004]

knew i recognized him from somewhere! lol I came here looking for this comment

[@patrickhaeusler]

Now that you've talked about the US, Germany, Russia and Britain, I think the next video of this kind should discuss the evolution of either French or Japanese tanks.

[@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz]

Their tanks were small and used mostly to defend sectors. An FT17 could not take on a A7V tank, like it took 3 whippet (MKIV) tanks to stop the Germans at Amien. The French Char 2c behemoth was never properly fielded. And most Japanese tanks were in the jungles of Burma and based in Okinawa or China. Best tanks of 20th century are German, British, US, Soviet as they were all fielded in large battles

[@kaydenletts8017]

Dont forget chinese

[@Leam-gh1lw]

He's gonna do the whole WoT tech tree

[@TheJudge_Carls_Junior_Rep]

Chinese tanks would be cool

[@liability443]

@@TheJudge_Carls_Junior_Rep They exist!??!?!?!

[@lucianoosorio5942]

“The tank was originally invented to clear the way for the infantry in the teeth of machine gun fire. Now it is the infantry who will have to clear a way for the tanks.” Winston Churchill

[@Leif20me]

We English created the tank 💪

[@Leif20me]

Damn proud to be English. England is the envy of the world. I forget were speaking English too :/

[@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz]

Yeah, it was not reliable. It was made to break barbed wire and shield our lads, but when the Brits were tasked with navigating towards German MG nests while surrounded by 12ft craters, we got maimed, the french had our tanks and their southern front was not so much a bloodbath at the Somme. Our tanks got stuck in the mud and even got swallowed

[@joaopedrobaggio4475]

@@Leif20me and nowadays England had became a shithole dominated by muslims and africans.

[@gbreuil1]

@@Leif20me Tanks exist since Antiquity (specially arab empires), tanks with mounted gunpowder guns since chinese medieval wars, steel tanks since english WWI British as always can assemble things but theirs design su**s 😣

[@nikolasfoulger1127]

I personally would love to see a tank evolution video done on Italian tanks. As they not only do I find their armored history the most fascinating, but is also among the most underdiscussed of the major players of WW2

[@alexanderzippel8809]

Centauro!

[@nikolasfoulger1127]

@@alexanderzippel8809 hopefully he brings mention to it, this since it's not technically a tank it likley won't be mentioned, Tho I do really hope to see some mention of the OF-40 tanks, as well as their most recent modernization program for the Ariete

[@samuelleal6149]

canneloni shooters

[@barnousauresrex2662]

I hope he will do evolution of itailian uniforms

[@yohance35]

I’d love to see the evolution of French tanks! They brought us the standard tank layout, but have also always had some quirky design sensibilities

[@cenprenonphyks8160]

Indeed! Our French tanks are often neglected, whereas they were very effective!

[@Punckmuckl]

@@cenprenonphyks8160 Somewhere here hides a joke about French military history, but I won't be the one bringing it.

[@Dasponz]

@@cenprenonphyks8160 without the french, we would never have the duck

[@shaider1982]

Yup, the Ft17 is arguably the 1st modern tank.

[@kieranb7582]

France greatest advantage: They Experiment. France greatest disadvantage: They Experiment.

[@atinofspam3433]

7:18 I love how you feature David Fletcher, rather sad to know he is no longer doing Tank Chats

[@bigbadbob1245]

wait since when?????

[@LeDocteur97]

Now that you've covered most of the main players in armored warfare, I think French tank design would be a good one to discuss. While they've had similar difficulties as the British in implementing tank design, they have also been a catalyst in tank development since the Interwar period. While they have definitely had some wacky designs, they also pushed into common practice the standard tank layout, seen to this day.

[@burry__]

So glad you guys are expanding on this series. I think doing Japanese or French tanks next would be amazing!

[@Black-Sun_Kaiser]

Would be interesting to see the French ones. I always felt like Japanese tanks were more like tankettes lol , would be interesting nonetheless.

[@stefanobonaiuti8243]

I was gonna say Italian tanks, but probably french ones are more interesting

[@The_Faceless_No_Name_Stranger]

@@stefanobonaiuti8243 I think French tanks would be more interesting because the jumps between WW1, the shortcoming of WW2, and the post war acceleration of tech adoption of post war autoloaders and oscillating turrets

[@stefanobonaiuti8243]

@@The_Faceless_No_Name_Stranger yep, oscillating turret was a wild design

[@ovaaaaaL]

@@Black-Sun_Kaiser yeah but still, Japanese tanks fulfilled their purpose in supporting infantry since their primary focus is Naval warfare. Compared to the Italian tanks that as we all know, is just a joke.

[@CadetTommy2145]

Just a Note, Chally wasn’t an evolution of Chieftain, the two are separate designs sharing a main gun. Chally has different suspension, sights, armour, secondary armament, hull, chassis, and engine. And Challenger 1 was found to be one of the most reliable tanks in the desert, not the least. As for Challenger 2, it does not feature the same gun as Challenger 1, the 120mm L11A1 rifle, it instead features the improved L30A1 rifle with a 2 part breech block and an improved firing mechanism that reduces failures and the breech allows for far higher pressures. Challenger 2 was not found to fail its initial tests, but rather went through extensive testing to ensure the crews liked it and the designers got feedback, such as the installation of a 1x periscope for the gunner.

[@HJDore]

Challenger is indeed essentially an evolution of Chieftain. Challenger traces its roots back to when it was named Shir 2 intended for use with the Iranian army to replace their chieftains however due to the Iranian revolution putting an end to the order and British MBT 80 running hopelessly over budget with not even a prototype design finalized it was decided that Royal ordinance’s FV4034 would be slightly reworked and pressed into service under the name “challenger”

[@Daktangle]

@@HJDore To be fair, the video says "modernisation" not evolution, and that is very innacurate.

[@chadfield6552]

I don’t understand why some people think the challenger tanks were failures… And even worse guys in videos like this spreading these lies

[@foxmccloud6979]

9:15 Fun Fact. The Matilda II also supported a 3 Inch Howitzer in some conversions. Mainly used by the Australian Army during the Pacific Campaign due to how close quarters the combat was at times.

[@anundundian]

Love to see an evolution on the Italian “Tank”

[@louthegiantcookie]

I agree! Didn't the Italians in WW2 have this strange kind of remote-controlled tank that looked more like a go-kart?

[@ezekiyam3827]

Pretty much your saying Italian tank size evolution

[@anundundian]

@@louthegiantcookie The Italian tanks were the Go-Go Gadget of WWI and WWII. Extremely impractical and unreliable.

[@red-gp9ohh]

I would classify them as Armoured cars

[@Combat_Dummi]

FINALLY, US BRITS ARE APPRECIATED AS THE MAKER OF THESE METAL TITANS

[@thunderbird1921]

Our American troops loved your Centurions during the Korean War. They could give combat support on nearly any terrain even in the mountains, and almost every encounter between your giants and the T34s was a death sentence for the Commies (at least one encounter was described as "a single shot dismantling", meaning the T34 was blown to scrap metal). It's no wonder those awesome tanks still serve worldwide, they're among the greatest ever made by any country. Thanks for helping us save South Korea, greetings from the US! 🇺🇸👍🇬🇧🇰🇷

[@3dPrintedFun]

Yea

[@mrmeme9105]

For king and country.

[@paleoph6168]

Finally, the next evolution video is here! 🇬🇧

[@Xumak525]

well thanks for the David Fletcher cameo, it put a smile on my face

[@rafaelnishizumi6330]

Personally, my Favorite Tank from the British is the Centurion. I even considered it better than the M48 Patton. Also let's see Japanese Tanks

[@thunderbird1921]

He should have mentioned what the Centurions did in Korea. They blasted the living sh*t out of the Communist T34s, at least one encounter between the Soviet-built icon and Britain's then-modern titan was described by witnesses as a "Single shot dismantling". American troops loved working with the Centurion forces not only for their amazing firepower, but because it was one of the few large tanks that performed well in steep hilly or mountainous terrain. The Brits literally changed warfare when those armored giants rolled into service.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Everyone considers it better than the M48 Patton 😂

[@benkendall7489]

This is absolutely STELLAR! Massive props for citing your sources, the nods to bovington with Mr Fletcher and the info board, and crediting the Czechs for the BESA. I can tell I’m gonna spend a lot of time very soon binging your other videos! ..I was about to post this and the kiwi came up, I love the sense of humour you guys have, it’s so fitting!

[@paleoph6168]

I like the detail at 7:28 where the Sten is held properly by the barrel shroud instead the usually incorrect depiction of holding magazine well or the magazine itself.

[@dwarvensphere1094]

Didn't stop people from doing it

[@AlphaHorst]

Yea. Correct way and reality don't match with that one as most held it by the mag. Or rather pushing the mag into the gun to decrease chances of feeding issues as recent historic evidence suggests. (Previously many blamed this habit of holding the mag for the issue but it seems it was actually a solution rather than the cause (not sten specific)

[@natebox4550]

@@AlphaHorstthat’s been done quite a bit with ww2 sub machine guns. Like the ppsh, mp40, Thompson, Suomi, and more!

[@EmilyChaosDrivr]

I love the Churchill and Centurion tanks. Nice to see them covered in one of your videos. How about a video that focuses on New Zealands, Australian and Canadian tank and armored vehicle designs.

[@dimitrijejovanovic5939]

Dunno about you, but I suffered while playing tech three Churchill tanks and I had to spend a lot of gold to make the grind less painful 😣

[@EmilyChaosDrivr]

@@dimitrijejovanovic5939 WOT or War Thunder?

[@pilotwhaleproductions5880]

Bob Semple

[@skyden24195]

*STOP!* ...... Hammer-Time!!! 😳🥴😆 👍 -Little "Easter-Egg" bits like these showing up in these videos never fail to crack me up. I love the history-information provided by these videos as is, but those random pop-culture-reference additions are the cherries on top.

[@kubotaisnice1895]

love the David Fletcher part aka the tank god

[@yaraelpoof7242]

4:38 it would make sense that there would be Stonehenge in the background since there is a tank training facility near it

[@averagejoe8358]

I still want to see British aircraft covered. So much information.

[@benwinter5871]

More details on the revolutionary design of British tanks would have been good, such as chobham armour and the black night late life extension on challenger 2.

[@guillermobetancourt1006]

I loved the “waltzing Matilda” reference. Australia you have my heart

[@mobiusmo6152]

David Fletcher is a superior addition :D Splendid!

[@adamlark7512]

I'd like to see a video about Czechoslovakia and Munich Agreement. Czechoslovakia had a great army at the time, but didn't fight Germany. I personaly think, it would be interesting to see :D

[@cthomaspeasant3059]

Gotta love the British designs, charming, archaic and very british.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Nothing archaic since Centurion appeared on the scene nearly 80 years ago.

[@hopfinatorischerkuchenkrieger]

Personally, I'd like to see the evolution of German tank destroyers, recon vehicles, SPGs, and/or anti-air vehicles. Other than that the tank development of some minor powers might be interesting.

[@ManglerWT]

@Cyber_ Boy true, i'd love to see videos of infantry equipment, evolution of SPGs, recon vehicles, and anti-air vehicles. great idea, i support it

[@chieftainmk_11]

Fun fact: At 13:48 on the TV it shows an image of what I believe to be the remains of the cockpit and frontal section of Pan Am flight 103 after it crashed after a terrorist bombing. This incident is known as the Lockerbie Bombing due to well, it exploding above Lockerbie.

[@minhtrietnguyen5275]

The history of Japanese, French and Italian tanks would be nice.

[@Omega-g6m]

Finally I've been waiting for you to make this video thank you

[@FriendlyMexican2005]

I would like to see the evolution of the tanks of the Imperial Japanese Army, and, even if they are few, I would like to see how they have improved, or worsened.

[@matrixtrollmarine]

New tank is said to be a beauty

[@FriendlyMexican2005]

@@matrixtrollmarine Please, don't say that that tank is a waifu.

[@alexradford5446]

@@FriendlyMexican2005 think he’s referring to the type 10, latest MBT of Japan. Proper beauty, also probably the most technologically advanced tank in existence

[@FriendlyMexican2005]

@@alexradford5446 With ingenuity and technology great things can be done, and a tank is no exception, I would like to see how it can be maneuvered during a battle.

[@LukeBunyip]

7:13 Nice shout out. Respect the Moustache!

[@wederMaxim]

in Arkhangelsk there is a pedestal with a Mark 5 tank, which the British supplied to the white army. I do not know why I wrote this.

[@CommodoreRayne.IMP.C-1824]

13:05 That was quite possibly the smoothest transition I have ever seen.

[@guron246]

Speaking of mark 5’s “sexes”and russian civil war. There was a third type called composite, which is an export modification of this tank. It’s distinctive feature is a machine gun in the right sponson and a cannon in the left sponson. One of this tanks is actually on the public display in my city (Kharkiv).

[@Litterbugtaylor]

there'a good chunk wrong or missing from this, the whippet wasn't even mentioned or the independent, covenanter, tortoise, firefly, archer, excelsior, and an unknown number of variants of vehicles, mark 1-8, crumwells with 6pdrs and howitzers, churchills with 2pdrs, 75mms, howitzers and mortars, the black prince with a 17pdr, valentines with 6pdrs, 75mms, the centurion which didn't even mention the 105mm or 165mm versions.

[@conserva-chan2735]

A vid on the Soviet-Afghan War would be so awesome

[@AlphaHorst]

Some additional information. The Cromwell used a few different guns, the 75/76mm gun was found to be a sweet spot between firepower against tanks and infantry as well as fortifications. The Matilda also earned the nickname "Queen of the Desert" and was essentially the opposite of the Crusader in that regard (the latter as mentioned being rather hated) The Churchill tank actually breaks naming convention as names starting with "C" were reserved for cruiser tanks. But I'd like to believe that Churchill himself with his big ego demanded that this block of steel on tracks be named after him and his steel head.

[@Boba_fett327]

2:50 "hey baby wanna see my six pounder?"

[@hnpth3812]

I found a Comet A34 tank, a cruiser tank in Burmese military museum. So, that is true

[@connorthompson8376]

There’s a bunch of unusual tanks that have been covered by the ‘simple history’ channel. There were a few laughable designs in Russia during World War I, and New Zealand attempted to make a World War II tank that was really just a machine gun box on top of a caterpillar tractor. Maybe a video covering all these weird designs would be good.

[@IsikPalion]

I was literally just thinking yesterday “I haven’t seen anything from the armchair historian in a while. And then I wake up to this videos notification.”

[@CJ_1406]

Ironically, one of the inventors of the tank (Lancelot de Mole) was actually Australian.

[@XXXTENTAClON227]

This was a separate design which was unfortunately ignored prior to World War 1

[@Lloyd_CK]

This is the tank evolution I’ve been waiting for!

[@lepoilu861]

Armchair historian should do a video on French tanks

[@OnGangImBouttaCrashOut]

Evolution of The Armchair Historian

[@Chorutowo]

Maan hearing "The Miner" at the start really threw me for a loop, dident expect that one to be in an armchair historian video

[@ez33kiel6]

Would love to see Japanese tanks covered next!

[@Hirovard]

the way you animated the wars comets are involved in is fantastic. upvote straight away for that. video is amazing as well

[@Siphonicsea36]

I saw and instantly clicked love you man finally showing the nation who invented the tank

[@BernddasBrotB7]

The Crusader tank was not especially unreliable. ALL tanks had trouble in the desert.

[@johndoesmith4111]

I'd like to see French tanks be discussed next

[@yoda4898]

I'm so glad that you're doing the evolution videos again! Keep it up.

[@creeper2740]

I love this series. please continue with the remaining nations. italy, japan and maybe even more

[@alanrogers7090]

I love the sound effects of a movie projector. It reminds me of growing up in the 1950's when we would watch our home movies with our projector. We would set up our screen, (it operated like a window shade mounted on a tripod. It kept clean in its container and was unrolled and held in place with an extension on the tripod). We would then place our projector on a wooden chair to keep it stable and set the focus. We not only had movies that we took ourselves, but also a hand full of pre-recoded films like cartoons or stop motion movies. Fun memories, Thanks. As to what tanks I would like to see, the "Funnies" of WWII. These are the ones made to clear minefields, or provide bridges, etc.

[@johanalitalo8331]

Love the video. Like evolutions of French or Japanese tanks. Or if possible, of other vehicle classes. Like infantry fighting vehicles or self propelled guns, from Germany or Soviet Union.

[@alandea9436]

It's finally here after waiting a year

[@nonstopdude]

deffinetly would love the french tanks covered next :)

[@jacobbaumgardner3406]

Some of the weirdest and some of the most successful and groundbreaking tanks in history. What a roll.

[@philippeszwarcbart6507]

Can we have a video on Israeli tank history? They may not have produced many domestically but they have sported a wide variety over the years often upgradeding them beyond what would be deemed possible or sensible

[@lucasjleandro]

Challengers 2 soon will be named the Orcbane

[@JizzMaster3000]

I would consider the French tanks to be next please I'm not French but I would love to see the French next ,thanks a lot for talking about the British I really loved the video thanks the Armchair Historian I really appreciate it thanks .

[@jakukuja7736]

i was just waitibg for anothher evolution video. I must thank you for your videos, as well as i must thank the armchair historian team. I adore you all

[@jimryan5513]

I'd put in a vote for the history of Soviet tank development.

[@hopfinatorischerkuchenkrieger]

Already exists, if I'm not mistaken.

[@randomelite4562]

@@hopfinatorischerkuchenkrieger it does

[@jimryan5513]

@@hopfinatorischerkuchenkrieger Ah, there it is. Thanks for flagging that.

[@hopfinatorischerkuchenkrieger]

@@jimryan5513 No problem.

[@evandowdey1966]

I have been waiting for a video like this and you guys never let down!

[@lucanicola3171]

I would love to see a video about the Romanian tanks and how they evolved other the decades. Anyways great video! have good day!

[@sethhomer1681]

it would be cool to see a video about the evolution of submarine designs

[@karl_franz_prince_and_emperor]

Could you do a video on the Russian civil war? I think it's not focused on enough.

[@wederMaxim]

+

[@Uncaught_in_promise]

Russian will have its civil war in 1 or 2 month

[@johnraven5517]

well, the Mathilda II and the Valentine where both made for the same contract, but they ended up just agreeing for both of them because of the desperate need for tanks of the early war periot

[@bluestone9726]

Agree with other comments that French or Japanese tanks should probably be next, and maybe Chinese after that. Just to put the thought out there though, a later video on Swedish tanks would be interesting. I know most Swedish tanks were imported designs, like the Centurion and Leopard 2, but Sweden is still the only Nordic country to develop and field their own tank - Strv 103 (otherwise known as the S-tank). Also, the Strv 2000 conceptual tank intrigues me and could use a video on it's own since there's not a lot of content about it on KZbin. Anyway, imported or domestically designed, like all nations there is an interesting doctrine behind Swedish defense development from WWII throughout the Cold War in the 'armed neutrality' concept which influenced a lot of the Swedish decisions to import and modify foreign tank designs, as well as develop it's own. In that respect, a video on the development of the Swedish air force would be even better.

[@rob5944]

Upon our visit to the Tank Museum at Bovington Camp we noted with consternation how easily injured the crews must of been just traversing the battlefield in these early designs! A well appreciated account of our nation's fighting vehicles though, perhaps a little kind on the older models and less so on the later ones. 👍

[@johnjoshuagabrielbalume4290]

Sheeesh I couldn't believe you will do more of this series its actually good like your other vids so keep it up :)

[@godfrey2440]

have you done Japanese tanks? it may be a good idea to add prototypes too, for the WWII period atleast

[@nobodyspecial115]

With the Valiant season going on this video seems fitting. UK does have an odd history with tanks to be the father of them all.

[@celtictemplar]

I think I would like to see the evolution of the Japanese or as well as the Swedish tanks

[@petermallia558]

What happened to showing the hard to kill Churchill Heavy tank, it problem was a main armament that was too small for fighting German tanks, plus we also took the US Sherman and added a larger gun creating the Firefly.

[@EpicGuy150]

LETS GO BOIII

[@viktormunkknudsen1557]

Thnaks for making this one. Really enjoyed it

[@lucianoosorio5942]

Tej: Ah guys we have to come up with another plan… they have a tank! Roman: I’m sorry did you said they have a tank? What’s plan B? Tej: Plan B? We need a plan C,D,E, we need more alphabets!

[@merafirewing6591]

Lel.

[@gathrawn6822]

We need to see more Uniform Evolution. One idea: Making a video about Ottoman/Turkish uniforms from the Janissaries to the modern era.

[@12LOGIC12]

The challanger 2 is now the best tank in the world🇬🇧

[@MrCai01]

Absolutely beautiful nod to our favourite tank tour guide

[@Artkapik1994]

Can you please make a Part 2 to the Evolution of Russian Tanks?

[@WestValleyTransparency]

I was waiting for this!👍🇬🇧

[@swordsmanshipguy]

Mmmm British tanks.

[@SamuelSamj]

Finally the brits

[@_synix_2620]

maybe have a video of all tank destroyers and self propelled guns from every nation in a video

[@pleaseno4154]

Awesome! are tank destroyers next?

[@psychobeam99]

I like how "Little Willie" was literally a metal tool shed on treads.

[@loyalpiper]

British grenadiers intensifies

[@colonelturmeric558]

Its funny how the cruiser and infantry tank designation actually kinda permeated the entire war, as light, medium and heavy tanks had arbitrary weight thresholds and worded definitions and were more defined by their tactical use. Light tanks as cruiser tanks, heavy as infantry tanks and medium tanks as a middle ground.

[@teaslurper]

I guess you could say that the Cromwell was Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.

[@Hogan231]

Evolution of Japanese Tanks.

[@connor8610]

There is also the story of thr challenger taking multiple direct hit for unguided rockets and surviving without and loss of crew

[@Matanza4897]

amazing video, a suggestion for the next video: evolution of japanese tanks (including prototypes)... would make a very interesting video...

[@jaymorris3468]

Actually the centurian was a ww2 design, ( for those interested) and physically introduced in 1945 (as you said) even before the war ended there were centurians on ships heading to the British army to fight the Germans and there big armament to be received in the June, but after just leaving the war ended on 8th may. It was on the drawing board very early forties ( or even earlier) and developed half way through the war. The reason I'm writing this is because I was shocked how early it was designed as I thought it was a 1970s tank when I was younger. Great channel, subbed.

[@ormph]

Great Video! I'd love to see you profile both the Israeli Merkava tank development history as well as the brilliantly innovative hyro-pneumatic suspension system the French developed for their tanks that was later used in the Citroen DS.

[@jixdl]

Will you ever do a similar thing but with ships?

[@omarmatouq3855]

It would have Been pretty nice to see hoe some British tanks were modified in certain countries (eventhough the video would have been longer) like the Israeli sho't series of tanks to the lesser known variants like the jordanian Khalid or Al hussaini.