Cruiser Tank Vigilante Update:
Well, I'm calling this one done...
First off then, a reminder of the backstory...
Cruiser Tank VigilanteBuoyed by the success of their Valentine tank and a genuine concern over the progress of Nuffield’s cruiser replacement for the Crusader tank, Vickers-Armstrongs (V-A) decided to develop their own cruiser design (the Vigilante).
Their planning assumptions were that the new cruiser would be better armoured than the Crusader, at least as fast and carry the new QF 6 pdr gun currently under development as standard. The hull would be loosely based on that of the Valentine but adapted to accept Christie-type suspension and a 57” turret ring. With a design weight of 20 tonnes and a desired power to weight ratio of 16-19 hp/t, the controversial decision was made to go with the same Meadows DAV flat-12 engine that powered the ill-fated Covenanter tank. Having had a year’s worth of operational experience to develop their engine, Meadows were now in a position to offer the Mk 2 model at 370hp. Part of the Covenanter’s problems had been the lack of space to incorporate an efficient engine cooling system vital to the performance of the Meadow’s flat-12. V-A, therefore, extended the rear of their Vigilante to accommodate the necessary radiators, oil coolers and fans.
In order to keep the weight down to the desired 20 tonnes, the Vigilante Mk I was designed with a 4-pair road wheel arrangement like the Covenanter and earlier cruiser designs. However, they had all been considerably lighter and it soon became evident that the ‘4-pair’ layout was causing significant over stressing of the suspension springs and a less-than-satisfactory ride for the crew over rough terrain. Rather than fight the problem, the decision was taken early to scrap the 4-pair arrangement, accept the extra weight, and move to the Vigilante Mk II with a 5-pair arrangement of road wheels.
Fitted with the new QF 6 pdr (57mm) Mk III (L/43) gun, the vigilante Mk II entered service in May 1942 and was soon deployed on operations in North Africa. Later in the year, the Vigilante’s 6 pdr gun was replaced with the newer Mk V (L/50) model.
With the introduction of the QF 75mm in 1943, the opportunity was taken to upgrade the Vigilante to the Mk III standard with an increase in armour protection and a change to the Meadows DAV flat-12 Mk 3 (410hp) engine. The Mk IIIA would mount the QF 75mm general purpose gun whilst the Mk IIIB would remain as the anti-tank specialist with the QF 6 pdr Mk V on a 2/3 to 1/3 basis respectively.
After the North African campaign, the Vigilante went on to serve with distinction in Sicily and mainland Italy where it primary filled the ranks of the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiments. By 1944, the newer Cromwell tank had entered service and it was, therefore, decided that they would participate in the Normandy invasion and subsequent NW European campaign. The Vigilante continued to provide sterling service in Italy until the end of the war.
Cruiser Tank Vigilante Type: Cruiser Tank
Place of Origen: United Kingdom
Service History In service: 1942-1945 (Mk II/III only)
Used by: United Kingdom
Wars: World War 2
Production History Designer: Vickers-Armstrongs
Manufacturer: Vickers-Armstrongs
Produced: 1941-1944
No built: 4200
Specifications Mass: 20-24t
Length (Hull): 5.71m (18’ 9”)
Width: 2.71m (8’ 10.5”)
Height: 2.34m (7’ 8”)
Crew: 4 (Commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Armour: Mk I/II - 20-55mm (0.8-2.2”): Mk III - 20-70mm (0.8-2.75”)
Main armament: Mk I - QF 6 pdr Mk III, (57mm); 62 rounds: Mk II - QF 6 pdr Mk III/V, (57mm); 62 rounds: Mk III - QF 75mm (75mm); 54 rounds
Secondary armament: 1 x 7.92mm Besa machine gun
Engine: Mk I/II - Meadows DAV flat-12 Mk 2 16-litre, 370hp: Mk III - Meadows DAV flat-12 Mk 3 16-litre, 410hp
Power/weight: Mk I - 18.5hp/t: Mk II - 17hp/t: Mk III - 17hp/t
Suspension: Mk I - Christie with four pairs of wheels each side: Mk II/III - Christie with five pairs of wheels each side
Ground clearance: 0.44m (1’ 5”)
Operational range: 150km (94mi) on internal capacity
Maximum speed: 48km/h (30mph)
VariantsMk I: Pre-production version with four pairs of road wheels each side. Whilst saving weight, the educed umber of road wheels resulted in higher ground pressure and greater strain on the suspension springs – ultimately affecting ride stability, cross country performance and mechanical reliability.
II: Original production version with revised ‘5-wheel’ running gear. Built to mount the QF 6 pdr (57mm) Mk III gun as standard. Whilst operating in North Africa, the fitting of one or two jettisonable auxiliary fuel tanks was common. Once available in mid-1943, the longer QF 6 pdr Mk V (L/50) replaced earlier Mk III (L/43) gun.
Mk II CS: Mounted a QF 3-inch (76.2mm) howitzer in the turret instead of the 6 pdr. Issued on a basis of 2 per Squadron and Regimental HQ.
Mk IIIA: Increased armour on the hull front and turret front with an up-rated engine producing 410hp. The 6 pdr gun was replaced with the QF 75mm whose better HE capability made the Mk II CS obsolete.
Mk IIIB: As per the Mk IIIA but kept the QF 6 pdr Mk V as the primary weapon for its superior anti-tank capability over the 75mm.
Mk II AA: Obsolete Mk II CS tanks had their turrets replaced by the twin20mm Oerlikon turret, circa 1943.
Mk III CS: As per the Mk IIIA but with the QF 95mm howitzer replacing the 75mm gun, circa 1944. Issued on a basis of 2 per Squadron and Regimental HQ.
ConstructionThe model depicts 'Baboon' a Vigilante Mk IIIA/IIIB of 3 Troop, B Squadron, 2nd Lothian & Border Horse, 26th Armoured Brigade of British 6th Armoured Division in southern Italy circa early 1944. At the time, within 6th Armoured Division, 1st Derbyshire Yeomanry (the Divisional Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment) was also equipped with a mix of Vigilante Mk IIIA and Mk IIIB. The model consists of a Tamiya Valentine base kit; running gear, tracks, barrel and accessories from my spares boxes; some 3D printing (sorry to the purists but this is the way); and some good old fashioned plastic card.
Vigilante Mk IIIA (QF 75mm)
Vigilante Mk IIIB (QF 6 pdr Mk V)
...and what might have been... (many thanks to a good friend across on Alternatehistory.com)
