Tetrarch light tank (British)

Description

The Tetrarch was a British light tank developed in the late 1930s and produced in limited numbers during the Second World War. Designed by Vickers‑Armstrong, it was intended to provide a fast, lightly armoured reconnaissance vehicle capable of supporting airborne and rapid‑deployment forces. Weighing just over seven tonnes and armed with a 2‑pounder gun, the Tetrarch balanced mobility with modest firepower, though its thin armour made it vulnerable to most enemy anti‑tank weapons.

Its most distinctive role emerged when it was selected for airborne operations. The tank could be transported in the General Aircraft Hamilcar glider, allowing armoured support to be delivered directly to airborne troops. This capability was tested in 1942 during the invasion of Madagascar, where the Tetrarch performed adequately in a colonial environment with limited opposition.

The tank’s most notable deployment came during the Normandy landings in June 1944. Elements of the 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment landed with Tetrarchs to support British airborne forces east of the River Orne. Although they provided useful fire support and mobility, the tanks struggled with mechanical issues and were quickly outclassed by heavier German armour. After Normandy, the Tetrarch saw little further combat and was gradually replaced by more capable designs.

• Country/Army: British and Commonwealth
• Material: UV Cured resin
• Painted by: MarDav Miniatures
• Original Designer:  Wargame3D
• All models are produced under license with the original designer.
• These models are designed for modellers and collectors. They are not toys and are not suitable for children.
• Model supplied unassembled and unpainted. Additional finishing may be required during assembly.
• Finished colour of the product may vary from images shown due to material availability and differences in batches.
• Photos show 28mm models unless noted otherwise.
• All dimensions are complete with weapons unless otherwise stated.
• Other scales and dimensions may be available upon request.
• Models supplied at scales smaller than 20mm may be an alternative design more suitable for small scale prints. These may be sourced from a different designer to the one noted above and the model may differ in details such as lacking camo netting, stowage, having a chunkier weapon barrel, tracks etc.