The Great Tank Scandal

David Fletcher writes about the penny pinching and treasury interference which left the British army ill equipped for the first half of WW2 despite the lead they had after the great war. He writes in his usual erudite and entertaining manner, an excellent book.

David Fletcher reveals an encyclopaedic grasp of the subject of British armour in WW2. Armoured cars feature quite heavily in this account - being extensively employed in the reconnaissance role throughout the War. His insights into the Tank Boards and the limitations placed on British industry during these crucial years, are most educational. It becomes clear that the incompatible personalities of key figures in tank design policy, were as great a hindrance to progress as the shortsighted policies of successive inter-War governments. Anybody seeking to broaden their understanding of this complex topic, should read this book.

This book ist a fascinating and very useful source of information about british Tank development before and in the first half of WW2. Recommended for all Tank enthusiasts and people who are interested in military history in general

David Fletcher explains all regarding the UK’s efforts to produce tanks at the beginning of WW II. Illuminative and entertaining. Brilliant.

Enjoyed the book very much. It showed what happens when you try to do things on the cheap. There were a couple of good designs, even th Russians who could be said to know about tanks liked the Valentine. There seemed to have been no attempt to 'future proof' designs in view of lessons from the Spanish civil war.