A10, Mark I and IA, Tank Cruiser Mark II and IIA

A10 CS in Caunter camouflage

Originally designed as an infantry tank version of the A9, but with bolted on thicker armour, this vehicle was re-classified as a heavy cruiser. The A10 Mark I had the same turret as the A9. Only 13 were built. The Mark IA had a modified mount for the main armament. The vehicle was used by the BEF in Normandy and saw action at Tobruk in 1941. It suffered from poor cross-country performance and was rather slow. All the pictures on this page are of the CS (Close Support) version with 3.7 inch howitzer which is on display at The Tank Museum, Bovington. The standard vehicle was armed with a 2 pounder.

 

Photo-Study

A10 CS in Caunter camouflage

Same vehicle, different camouflage

SPECIFICATION


Designation: Tank, Cruiser, Mk 11, IIA or IIA CS (A10)
Crew: 5 (commander, loader, gunner, driver, hull machine gunner) Battle weight: 31,6961b
Dimensions: Length 18ft 4in; Width 8ft 3.5 in; Height 8ft 8.5 in; Track width 14in; Track centres/tread 7ft 3 in
Armament: Main: 1 x 2pdr QFSA
(1 x 3.7in howitzer in CS model) Secondary: 2 x Besa MG
Armour thickness: Maximum 30mm; Minimum 6mm
Traverse: 360°.
Engine: As A9 (Cruiser Tank Mk 1)
Maximum speed : 16mph
Maximum cross-country speed: 8mph
Suspension type : As A9
Road radius: 100 miles
Fording depth : 3ft
Vertical obstacle: 2ft
Trench crossing: 6ft
Ammunition stowage: 100 rounds 2pdr, 4,050 rounds .303 cal or 7.92 cal MG
Special features/remarks: As A9. First British tank with composite armour construction. Mk IIA was first British tank to be armed with the Besa MG.

 

WW1 - 1925
(pre-GS 'A' number designations)

1925 - 1945 non-a numbered (named only) vehicles

General Staff A-Number List 1925-1945 

Post 1945 FV Numbers

Post WW2 vehicle with no FV number

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