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Vickers-Carden-Loyd M1936 light tank

June 29 2009 at 1:54 PM
Nelson  (no login)


Response to Vickers-Carden-Loyd Model 1936 Light Tanks from Chinese 2nd Tank Battalion

Jabu,

I did a cursory surfing of the web, but I too could not find much information on the Vickers-Carden-Loyd Model 1936 light tanks sold to China, other than what you state. As you likely know, it was a two-man, 3.8-ton light tank designed for export, primarily to the Netherlands East Indies. Its standard armament was a single .303 Vickers machine gun and it was equipped with a wireless; its speed was about 65 km/hr. I commend two websites, if you've not visited them.

The first is specifically on armored fighting vehicles acquired and used by China:

http://mailer.fsu.edu/~akirk/tanks/china/china.html

The entry on the VCL M1936 is brief and merely confirms that China purchased four of these light tanks. The accompanying black & white photo of this light tank (click on to enlarge) is very likely a Vickers publicity shot, and NOT specifically taken in China.

The second website, that of the Tank Museum in Britain, is more helpful.

A very long URL beginning with http://www.tankmuseum.org

The color photo of the VCL M1936 light tank (click on to enlarge) shows the standard camouflage paint scheme provided on the tanks sold to the NEI, which may well be the same one used by the Chinese. BUT the reader is cautioned that the armament, wireless equipment, and camouflage paint scheme differed, as specified by the purchaser. Again, China is confirmed as one such purchaser, but no other particulars are mentioned.

Best I can do right now and good luck on your search.

Nelson

 
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