Difference between revisions of "A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=uk_a_13_mk1_3rd_rtr}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = British light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = British light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = A13 (Family)
 
| link = A13 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=uk_a_13_mk1_3rd_rtr
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
During World War II, the British Army's 3<sup>rd</sup> Royal Tank Regiment (3<sup>rd</sup> R.T.R.) was equipped with the [[A13 Mk I|A13 Mark I]]. The 3<sup>rd</sup> R.T.R. was a British Army armoured regiment that existed from 1917 to 1992. It was a unit of the Royal Tank Regiment, which was itself a unit of the Royal Armoured Corps. In 1917, it was known as the C Battalion, Tank Corps. With the onset of World War II, the British army was once again deployed to France. 3<sup>rd</sup> R.T.R., commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Reginald Keller, was ready for deployment as part of the 1st Armoured Division in 1940 when it was abruptly redirected to Calais. It took part in the four-day Siege of Calais as part of the Battle of France. Unfortunately, all of its tanks were destroyed, and many of its soldiers were killed or captured; nevertheless, some of its forces retreated to Dunkirk or were evacuated from Calais before the port was overrun.
−
{{Break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', also designated in-game as the '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} British light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced along with the initial British tree line in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]]. At some point, it was given for free if you chose Britain as first nation when you started the game.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]] and was the prize in the [[wt:en/news/3477--en|2015 "Christmas gift"]] giveaway, the A13 Mark I (3<sup>rd</sup> R.T.R.) is a highly manoeuvrable tank, with an acceptable tank gun, excellent mobility, and incredibly light armour. The A13 Mark I (3<sup>rd</sup> R.T.R.) should not be used as a frontline tank. Instead, utilize your mobility to your advantage: spot, flank, and support your allies, and blind your enemies with strategically constructed smoke screens in vital areas. In flanking tactics, emphasize targeting secluded targets so you can fully exploit the element of surprise and outflank your opponent. Never expose yourself for too long since even anti-aircraft guns can penetrate your light armour. However, in muddy terrain, the A13 Mark I (3<sup>rd</sup> R.T.R.) might feel slow and has a tendency to slide sideways.
 +
 
 +
At some point, it was also given for free if you chose Britain as your first nation when you started the game.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
Line 33: Line 39:
  
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick while the torsion bars in between the side armour are 10 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick while the torsion bars in between the side armour are 10 mm thick.
 
* Hoisting points and optics covers are 14mm thick.
 
* Hoisting points and optics covers are 14mm thick.
−
* The sides of the hull benefit from spaced armour (2 x 7mm spaced circa 10 cm apart) but the thickness of the plates is too poor to properly act as such: HEAT and HE shells have no problem defeating it.
+
* The sides of the hull benefit from spaced armour (2 x 7 mm spaced ~10 cm apart) but the thickness of the plates is too poor to properly act as such: HEAT and HE shells have no problem defeating it.
−
* 2 smoke launchers are installed on the right side of the turret. Smoke grenades can be launched individually in the direction the gun is pointing at, 50m away from your tank. The reload sequence takes places once both launchers are empty.
+
* 2 smoke launchers are installed on the right side of the turret. Smoke grenades can be launched individually in the direction the gun is pointing at, 50 m away from your tank. The reload sequence takes places once both launchers are empty.
−
* The {{PAGENAME}} is among the least armored tanks in the game. Be aware that even when angling, most enemies can reliably penetrate you from 1,000 m distance.
+
* The {{PAGENAME}} is among the least armoured tanks in the game. Be aware that even when angling, most enemies can reliably penetrate you from 1,000 m distance.
 +
* Even when only exposing the turret of your tank to shoot at an enemy, you can receive devastating damage as your thinly armoured turret is pretty wide and contains 3 crew members out of 4.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 527|rbMinHp= 301}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=527|rbMinHp=301}}
−
The acceleration is good and the top speed in line with light tanks at the same BR. The reverse speed is decent but won't let you overextend.
+
 
−
The tracks are narrow, which gives the {{PAGENAME}} a poor handling on soft terrain (snow, mud, sand). The tracks are also long, which causes the tank to understeer at low speed. All this combined with the lack of neutral steering makes turning on the spot slow.  
+
The acceleration is good and the top speed is in line with light tanks at the same BR. The reverse speed is slow and won't let you overextend. The tracks are narrow, which gives the {{PAGENAME}} poor handling on soft terrain (snow, mud, sand). The tracks are also long, which causes the tank to understeer and lose a lot of speed when turning. All this combined with the lack of neutral steering makes turning on the spot slow.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|QF 2-pounder (40 mm)}}
 
{{main|QF 2-pounder (40 mm)}}
 +
 +
The cannon loses accuracy and penetration power quickly over distance. The accuracy loss is noticeable as soon as 500 m distance and becomes a handicap over 700 m. Penetration at close range is good but becomes ineffective at 500 m and beyond. The high muzzle velocity allows for rather flat trajectories but targeting enemies at long range will be hindered by the loss of accuracy.
 +
 +
Vertical stabilizer (shoulder stop) allows you to fire when moving at slow pace (a few km/h). The turret traverse speed is average but rather slow when compared than other tanks at the same BR. The depression angle is very important and allows you to shoot easily from behind a ridge. Recoil is barely noticeable. The reload time is very short, allowing you to shower your enemies with a continuous rain of shells. Targeting procedure is quick and simple.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
Line 61: Line 78:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 87 || rowspan="2" | -15°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Vertical || 15.23 || 21.08 || 25.60 || 28.31 || 30.12 || rowspan="2" | 3.64 || rowspan="2" | 3.22 || rowspan="2" | 2.97 || rowspan="2" | 2.80
+
| rowspan="2" | 87 || rowspan="2" | -15°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Shoulder|up to 10 km/h}} || 34.3 || 47.4 || 57.6 || 63.7 || 67.8 || rowspan="2" | 3.64 || rowspan="2" | 3.22 || rowspan="2" | 2.97 || rowspan="2" | 2.80
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 9.52 || 11.20 || 13.60 || 15.04 || 16.00
+
| 21.4 || 25.2 || 30.6 || 33.8 || 36.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
The available choice of ammunition focuses on armoured targets:
 
The available choice of ammunition focuses on armoured targets:
 +
 
* '''Shot Mk.1 AP/T ''': AP; a solid shot with no explosive filler offering a good penetration power until 500 m.
 
* '''Shot Mk.1 AP/T ''': AP; a solid shot with no explosive filler offering a good penetration power until 500 m.
−
* '''Shot Mk.1 APHV/T''': AP; the same projectile but with higher muzzle velocity, offering a good penetration power until 1,000 m .
+
* '''Shot Mk.1 APHV/T''': AP; the same projectile but with higher muzzle velocity, offering a good penetration power until 1,000 m.
−
* '''Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T''': APCBC; a solid shot with a ballistic cap and no explosive filler, offering the best penetration power from 0 to 500 m for the {{PAGENAME}}.
+
* '''Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T''': APCBC; a solid shot with a ballistic cap and no explosive filler, offering the best penetration power from 0 to 500 m for the {{PAGENAME}}.
−
* '''Shell Mk.1 AP/T''': APHE; an armour-piercing shell with explosive filler that will one-shot any tank that is penetrates but has an average penetration power. Use it preferably when enemies are at close range
+
* '''Shell Mk.1 AP/T''': APHE; an armour-piercing shell with explosive filler that will knock out any tank that it penetrates but has an average penetration power. Use it preferably when enemies are at close range.
 +
 
 
Projectiles without explosive filler will most of the time incapacitate enemy tanks and require a second shot to properly knock them out. Knowledge of the positions of crew members in the targeted tank is crucial when playing with solid shots.
 
Projectiles without explosive filler will most of the time incapacitate enemy tanks and require a second shot to properly knock them out. Knowledge of the positions of crew members in the targeted tank is crucial when playing with solid shots.
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:QF 2-pounder (40 mm)/Ammunition|Shot Mk.1 AP/T, Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T, Shot Mk.1 APHV/T, Shell Mk.1 AP/T}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks A13 Mk I.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.99.0.51''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
+
| '''87''' || 78&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 75&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 72&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 69&nbsp;''(+18)'' || 66&nbsp;''(+21)'' || 62&nbsp;''(+25)'' || 60&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 56&nbsp;''(+31)''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Shot Mk.1 AP/T || AP || 72 || 68 || 52 || 37 || 27 || 19
+
! 9th<br>rack empty
 +
! 10th<br>rack empty
 +
! 11th<br>rack empty
 +
! 12th<br>rack empty
 +
! 13th<br>rack empty
 +
! 14th<br>rack empty
 +
! 15th<br>rack empty
 +
! 16th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T || APCBC || 88 || 83 || 64 || 46 || 33 || 24
+
| 51&nbsp;''(+36)'' || 47&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 43&nbsp;''(+44)'' || 41&nbsp;''(+46)'' || 36&nbsp;''(+51)'' || 31&nbsp;''(+56)'' || 16&nbsp;''(+71)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+86)'' || No
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.1 APHV/T || AP || 80 || 78 || 67 || 56 || 47 || 40
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell Mk.1 AP/T || APHE || 66 || 62 || 49 || 36 || 26 || 20
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.1 AP/T || AP || 792 || 1.08 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T || APCBC || 792 || 1.242 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.1 APHV/T || AP || 853 || 1.08 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell Mk.1 AP/T || APHE || 792 || 1.08 || 1.2 || 9.0 || 19 || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Note''':
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
* To minimize the risk of ammo rack detonation, keep racks 1 to 14 empty (31&nbsp;''(+56)'' shells). This will guarantee the center hull is empty of shells.
−
'''Last updated: 1.99.0.51'''
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |8th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |9th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |10th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |11th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |12th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |13th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |14th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |15th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |16th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
−
|-
 
−
|| '''87''' || 78&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 75&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 72&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 69&nbsp;''(+18)'' || 66&nbsp;''(+21)'' || 62&nbsp;''(+25)'' || 60&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 56&nbsp;''(+31)'' || 51&nbsp;''(+36)'' || 47&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 43&nbsp;''(+44)'' || 41&nbsp;''(+46)'' || 36&nbsp;''(+51)'' || 31&nbsp;''(+56)'' || 16&nbsp;''(+71)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+86)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
[[File:Ammoracks_A13MkI.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}.]]
 
−
Notes:
 
−
* To minimize the risk of ammo rack detonation, keep racks 1 to 14 empty (31&nbsp;''(+56)''). This will guarantee the center hull is empty of shells.
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|Vickers (7.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|Vickers (7.7 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
The rate of fire of the 7.7 mm Vickers is slow compared to other MGs at the same BR. The small calibre will only allow you to use it as a spotting gun or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight. Except for engaging vehicles with crew members in the open, your MG won't deal much damage to enemies.
−
|-
+
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[Vickers (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Vickers]]
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! colspan="5" | [[Vickers (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Vickers]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 3,500 (250) || 390 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 3,500 (250) || 390 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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This tank has a very active playstyle and should not be used in the front lines. Instead, use your mobility to your advantage: Spot, flank and provide artillery support for your teammates, blind your enemies with well-placed smokes screens in key avenues. Make sure to only target secluded enemies in flanking tactics so you can take full advantage of the element of surprise and outflank your opponent. Never expose yourself for too long because even anti-aircraft guns are a potential threat to your non-angled armour. The [[Ordnance QF 2-pounder (40 mm)|QF 2-pounder]] has an awfully long-range accuracy so you must get close to your enemies to actually land a shot where you expect. Load up this agile (but reluctant) cat with ammo and flank your enemies with a constant flow of bullets.
 
This tank has a very active playstyle and should not be used in the front lines. Instead, use your mobility to your advantage: Spot, flank and provide artillery support for your teammates, blind your enemies with well-placed smokes screens in key avenues. Make sure to only target secluded enemies in flanking tactics so you can take full advantage of the element of surprise and outflank your opponent. Never expose yourself for too long because even anti-aircraft guns are a potential threat to your non-angled armour. The [[Ordnance QF 2-pounder (40 mm)|QF 2-pounder]] has an awfully long-range accuracy so you must get close to your enemies to actually land a shot where you expect. Load up this agile (but reluctant) cat with ammo and flank your enemies with a constant flow of bullets.
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
| Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
| Shot Mk.1 APHV/T
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| Smoke grenade
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
| Shell Mk.1 AP/T
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 217: Line 159:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Good gun for its rank
+
* Good gun for its rank with fast reload
−
* Fast
+
* High top speed and good HP/ton ratio
−
* Slim target
+
* Slim target, is hard to get spotted and shot at
−
* Has a "lock", which is a primitive form of stabilisation; this makes stopping and firing a useful tactic as the 2-pdr doesn't bounce as much as a non-stabilised gun
+
* Has a shoulder stabiliser, an advantage in CQC
 
* Brings lots of ammo to the fight (87 rounds max)
 
* Brings lots of ammo to the fight (87 rounds max)
 
* Has forward-launching smoke launchers
 
* Has forward-launching smoke launchers
−
* Coaxial machine gun
+
* Decent turret slewing rate
−
* Good horse-power per ton ratio
+
* -15° gun depression ensures great terrain adaptation
−
* Decent turret sewing rate
+
* Four crewmen and a three-man turret increases survivability
−
* -15° gun depression
 
−
* Four crewmen and a three-man turret
 
−
* Quite a fast reload, makes finishing off a target both quicker and easier
 
 
* Very effective in its historical role, a flanker and scout
 
* Very effective in its historical role, a flanker and scout
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Next to no armour
+
* Next to no armour, can be frontally penetrated by HMG
−
* Barely any response from the engine
 
 
* Loses speed when turning
 
* Loses speed when turning
−
* The ability to carry almost 90 rounds comes at a cost, this cost is that the ammunition is very hard to miss and thus, the A13 series suffers from frequent ammunition detonations
 
 
* Wiggles when trying to turn on 5th gear
 
* Wiggles when trying to turn on 5th gear
−
* Regular machine guns can penetrate side armour
+
* Very slow reverse speed, might get the player destroyed
−
* The coaxial machine gun is a Vickers which, compared to other Rank I machine guns, has an incredibly slow fire rate
+
* The coaxial Vickers MG has an incredibly slow fire rate, hard to finish off fast targets like [[AS 42]]
 
* Not effective at anything other than how it was historically used; ill-advised to brawl or support heavier vehicles
 
* Not effective at anything other than how it was historically used; ill-advised to brawl or support heavier vehicles
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
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<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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===Development===
 +
The British development on their cruiser tanks, tanks that focus on mobility to exploit breakthroughs beyond enemy lines, took a turn in 1936 after General Giffard LeQuesne Martel became the Assistant Director of Mechanization at the British War Office, the head of the army in the government. Martel, an advocate of the tanks, and developer of the concept of "tankettes", witnessed a tank demonstration in 1936 that had Soviet designs. The one that attracted his attention was the [[BT-5|BT light tank]]. The BT's use of the Christie suspension had Martel argue for the usage of the same suspension in their tank designs, to which the British government complied with the purchase and licensing of the system from the Nuffield Organization.
 +
 
 +
The acquired vehicle from the purchase of the Christie suspension was labelled as the ''A13E1'' and became part of the design development under the designation ''Cruiser Mk III (A13)''. The General Staff requested for the vehicle to have 30 mm of armour, a 2-pounder gun, and a road speed of 48 km/h. The original vehicle was extensively reworked due to many interior and mechanical issues. Until the tank design was finished, the British Army adopted the ''Cruiser Mk I (A9)'' tank for use, but these tanks were delayed due to the A13's near completion. The first prototype was delivered in 1937 under the name ''A13E2'', this featured the turret from the A9 cruiser tank, with a 2-pounder and a Vickers machine gun. The armour on the prototype was 15 mm and the design could reach a top speed under a governor of 48 km/h (64 km/h ungoverned). The last and revised design was the ''A13E3'' that became adopted by the British Army and ordered into production in 1939. The General Staff specification number for the tank was the '''A13 Mk. I, Cruiser Tank Mark III'''. 65 of these tanks were ordered from the Nuffield Mechanization & Aero Limited, to which 30 were built before the War Office decided to upgrade the A13 Mk.I with more armour than the '' [[A13 Mk II|A13 Mk.II, Cruiser Tank Mk IV]]''. Some of the A13 Mk.I Cruiser Mk III was also converted into Mk IV to stay modernized.
 +
 
 +
===Combat usage===
 +
The A13 first saw combat in the Battle of France under the British Expeditionary Force in 1940. The A13 encountered many troubles during its employment, the crew having little to no training with the new tanks due to their rushed adoption into service. The tanks were in poor condition and some were even missing parts. The A13s were used in the 1st Armoured Division, but many were either destroyed by the superior German armoured forces or abandoned at Calais during the evacuation of Allied troops at Dunkirk, which forced the units to leave behind their heavier equipment.
 +
 
 +
After the disaster at France, the A13 were still used to support the war. Some were sent to Greece to support their defence against Germany in the Battle of Greece, but a majority were sent to North Africa as part of the Western Desert Campaign near Libya under the 7th Armoured Division. Compared to the time in France, the A13s in North Africa fared much better, ironing out most of its initial defects, and was even more suited to the environment than other tank designs. The A13 was popular with the crew for its high speed, reliability, and a powerful 2-pounder cannon that could engage a majority of Axis tanks in 1941. However, there was an insufficient number of A13s available for use, so tank units were mixed with the faster cruiser tanks and slower infantry tanks, which caused tactical and logistical difficulties trying to accommodate all of the tanks. Another deficiency with the tank and every other British tank with the 2-pounder was the lack of high-explosive shell issued to the tankers, which made them vulnerable to anti-tank guns, which caused a majority of British tank losses in the North African Campaign. Still, the A13 fared very well with its armour and armament until late 1941 where better armoured [[Pz.III L|Panzer IIIs]] and [[Pz.IV G|Panzer IVs]] began to appear on the battlefield.
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Due to its growing obsolescence on the battlefield, the A13 was replaced in 1941 by the better armoured [[Crusader Mk II|A15 Crusader tank]].
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_a_13_mk1_3rd_rtr Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|tp7_VTC3FoE|'''A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) Review. A careful playstyle is needed''' - ''Joseph 2000''|4_cJ1CpEatw|'''Best gun depression''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:33 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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;Other vehicles of similar role or configuration
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* [[M2A4]]
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* [[M3 Stuart]]
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* [[Pz.35(t)]]
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* [[Stuart I]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
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 +
* [[wt:en/news/3477--en|[Special] Collect a famous А13 Mk I 3rd RTR for Christmas!]]
 +
* [[wikipedia:Cruiser_Mk_III|[Wikipedia] Cruiser Mk III]]
 +
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/gb/A13_Cruiser_MkIII.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Cruiser Mk.III, A13]
 +
* [[wikipedia:3rd_Royal_Tank_Regiment|[Wikipedia] 3rd Royal Tank Regiment]]
  
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{{TankManufacturer Nuffield}}
 
{{Britain light tanks}}
 
{{Britain light tanks}}
 
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}
−
{{Winter Event}}
 

Latest revision as of 10:40, 14 April 2024

This page is about the British light tank A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.). For other versions, see A13 (Family).
A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.)
uk_a_13_mk1_3rd_rtr.png
GarageImage A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.).jpg
ArtImage A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.).png
A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.)
Britain flag.png Britain
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:250 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

During World War II, the British Army's 3rd Royal Tank Regiment (3rd R.T.R.) was equipped with the A13 Mark I. The 3rd R.T.R. was a British Army armoured regiment that existed from 1917 to 1992. It was a unit of the Royal Tank Regiment, which was itself a unit of the Royal Armoured Corps. In 1917, it was known as the C Battalion, Tank Corps. With the onset of World War II, the British army was once again deployed to France. 3rd R.T.R., commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Reginald Keller, was ready for deployment as part of the 1st Armoured Division in 1940 when it was abruptly redirected to Calais. It took part in the four-day Siege of Calais as part of the Battle of France. Unfortunately, all of its tanks were destroyed, and many of its soldiers were killed or captured; nevertheless, some of its forces retreated to Dunkirk or were evacuated from Calais before the port was overrun.

Introduced in Update 1.55 "Royal Armour" and was the prize in the 2015 "Christmas gift" giveaway, the A13 Mark I (3rd R.T.R.) is a highly manoeuvrable tank, with an acceptable tank gun, excellent mobility, and incredibly light armour. The A13 Mark I (3rd R.T.R.) should not be used as a frontline tank. Instead, utilize your mobility to your advantage: spot, flank, and support your allies, and blind your enemies with strategically constructed smoke screens in vital areas. In flanking tactics, emphasize targeting secluded targets so you can fully exploit the element of surprise and outflank your opponent. Never expose yourself for too long since even anti-aircraft guns can penetrate your light armour. However, in muddy terrain, the A13 Mark I (3rd R.T.R.) might feel slow and has a tendency to slide sideways.

At some point, it was also given for free if you chose Britain as your first nation when you started the game.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull14 / 14 / 14
Turret14 / 14 / 14
Crew4 people
Visibility93 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 14 mm Front plate
14 mm (0-62°) Front glacis
14 mm (64°) Lower glacis 		7 + 7 mm 14 mm (0-62°) 14 mm
Turret 14 mm (0-15°) Turret front
14 mm (1-63°) Gun mantlet 		14 mm (21°) 14 mm (2°) 14 mm
Cupola 14 mm 14 mm 14 mm 14 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick while the torsion bars in between the side armour are 10 mm thick.
  • Hoisting points and optics covers are 14mm thick.
  • The sides of the hull benefit from spaced armour (2 x 7 mm spaced ~10 cm apart) but the thickness of the plates is too poor to properly act as such: HEAT and HE shells have no problem defeating it.
  • 2 smoke launchers are installed on the right side of the turret. Smoke grenades can be launched individually in the direction the gun is pointing at, 50 m away from your tank. The reload sequence takes places once both launchers are empty.
  • The A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) is among the least armoured tanks in the game. Be aware that even when angling, most enemies can reliably penetrate you from 1,000 m distance.
  • Even when only exposing the turret of your tank to shoot at an enemy, you can receive devastating damage as your thinly armoured turret is pretty wide and contains 3 crew members out of 4.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB54 / 7 km/h
RB and SB48 / 6 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight13.8 t
Engine power
AB649 hp
RB and SB340 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB47.0 hp/t
RB and SB24.6 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 54 7 13.8 527 649 38.19 47.03
Realistic 48 6 301 340 21.81 24.64

The acceleration is good and the top speed is in line with light tanks at the same BR. The reverse speed is slow and won't let you overextend. The tracks are narrow, which gives the A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) poor handling on soft terrain (snow, mud, sand). The tracks are also long, which causes the tank to understeer and lose a lot of speed when turning. All this combined with the lack of neutral steering makes turning on the spot slow.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB322 Sl icon.png
RB172 Sl icon.png
SB75 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications5 140 Rp icon.png
515 Sl icon.png
Crew training150 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces145 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 20 / 20 / 20 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 75 / 75 / 75 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
410 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
40mm_uk_2pdr_APHV_ammo_pack
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
410 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
40mm_uk_2pdr_APHE_ammo_pack
Research:
410 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
55 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
55 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
720 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
40mm_uk_2pdr_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
720 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

40 mm QF 2-pounder cannon
Shoulder stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition87 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.6 → 2.8 s
Vertical guidance-15° / 20°
Main article: QF 2-pounder (40 mm)

The cannon loses accuracy and penetration power quickly over distance. The accuracy loss is noticeable as soon as 500 m distance and becomes a handicap over 700 m. Penetration at close range is good but becomes ineffective at 500 m and beyond. The high muzzle velocity allows for rather flat trajectories but targeting enemies at long range will be hindered by the loss of accuracy.

Vertical stabilizer (shoulder stop) allows you to fire when moving at slow pace (a few km/h). The turret traverse speed is average but rather slow when compared than other tanks at the same BR. The depression angle is very important and allows you to shoot easily from behind a ridge. Recoil is barely noticeable. The reload time is very short, allowing you to shower your enemies with a continuous rain of shells. Targeting procedure is quick and simple.

40 mm QF 2-pounder Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 87 -15°/+20° ±180° Shoulder 34.3 47.4 57.6 63.7 67.8 3.64 3.22 2.97 2.80
Realistic 21.4 25.2 30.6 33.8 36.0

Ammunition

The available choice of ammunition focuses on armoured targets:

  • Shot Mk.1 AP/T : AP; a solid shot with no explosive filler offering a good penetration power until 500 m.
  • Shot Mk.1 APHV/T: AP; the same projectile but with higher muzzle velocity, offering a good penetration power until 1,000 m.
  • Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T: APCBC; a solid shot with a ballistic cap and no explosive filler, offering the best penetration power from 0 to 500 m for the A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.).
  • Shell Mk.1 AP/T: APHE; an armour-piercing shell with explosive filler that will knock out any tank that it penetrates but has an average penetration power. Use it preferably when enemies are at close range.

Projectiles without explosive filler will most of the time incapacitate enemy tanks and require a second shot to properly knock them out. Knowledge of the positions of crew members in the targeted tank is crucial when playing with solid shots.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Shot Mk.1 AP/T AP 72 68 52 37 27 19
Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T APCBC 89 86 77 66 57 50
Shot Mk.1 APHV/T AP 80 75 58 41 30 21
Shell Mk.1 AP/T APHE 66 62 49 36 26 20
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Shot Mk.1 AP/T AP 792 1.08 - - - 47° 60° 65°
Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T APCBC 792 1.24 - - - 48° 63° 71°
Shot Mk.1 APHV/T AP 853 1.08 - - - 47° 60° 65°
Shell Mk.1 AP/T APHE 792 1.08 1.2 9 20.9 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty
87 78 (+9) 75 (+12) 72 (+15) 69 (+18) 66 (+21) 62 (+25) 60 (+27) 56 (+31)
9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		11th
rack empty 		12th
rack empty 		13th
rack empty 		14th
rack empty 		15th
rack empty 		16th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
51 (+36) 47 (+40) 43 (+44) 41 (+46) 36 (+51) 31 (+56) 16 (+71) 1 (+86) No

Note:

  • To minimize the risk of ammo rack detonation, keep racks 1 to 14 empty (31 (+56) shells). This will guarantee the center hull is empty of shells.

Machine guns

7.7 mm Vickers machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate390 shots/min
Main article: Vickers (7.7 mm)

The rate of fire of the 7.7 mm Vickers is slow compared to other MGs at the same BR. The small calibre will only allow you to use it as a spotting gun or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight. Except for engaging vehicles with crew members in the open, your MG won't deal much damage to enemies.

7.7 mm Vickers
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,500 (250) 390 - -

Usage in battles

This vehicle's role is that of a light tank in the truest sense, sporting an acceptable gun, great mobility and virtually no armour to speak of.

This tank has a very active playstyle and should not be used in the front lines. Instead, use your mobility to your advantage: Spot, flank and provide artillery support for your teammates, blind your enemies with well-placed smokes screens in key avenues. Make sure to only target secluded enemies in flanking tactics so you can take full advantage of the element of surprise and outflank your opponent. Never expose yourself for too long because even anti-aircraft guns are a potential threat to your non-angled armour. The QF 2-pounder has an awfully long-range accuracy so you must get close to your enemies to actually land a shot where you expect. Load up this agile (but reluctant) cat with ammo and flank your enemies with a constant flow of bullets.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good gun for its rank with fast reload
  • High top speed and good HP/ton ratio
  • Slim target, is hard to get spotted and shot at
  • Has a shoulder stabiliser, an advantage in CQC
  • Brings lots of ammo to the fight (87 rounds max)
  • Has forward-launching smoke launchers
  • Decent turret slewing rate
  • -15° gun depression ensures great terrain adaptation
  • Four crewmen and a three-man turret increases survivability
  • Very effective in its historical role, a flanker and scout

Cons:

  • Next to no armour, can be frontally penetrated by HMG
  • Loses speed when turning
  • Wiggles when trying to turn on 5th gear
  • Very slow reverse speed, might get the player destroyed
  • The coaxial Vickers MG has an incredibly slow fire rate, hard to finish off fast targets like AS 42
  • Not effective at anything other than how it was historically used; ill-advised to brawl or support heavier vehicles

History

Development

The British development on their cruiser tanks, tanks that focus on mobility to exploit breakthroughs beyond enemy lines, took a turn in 1936 after General Giffard LeQuesne Martel became the Assistant Director of Mechanization at the British War Office, the head of the army in the government. Martel, an advocate of the tanks, and developer of the concept of "tankettes", witnessed a tank demonstration in 1936 that had Soviet designs. The one that attracted his attention was the BT light tank. The BT's use of the Christie suspension had Martel argue for the usage of the same suspension in their tank designs, to which the British government complied with the purchase and licensing of the system from the Nuffield Organization.

The acquired vehicle from the purchase of the Christie suspension was labelled as the A13E1 and became part of the design development under the designation Cruiser Mk III (A13). The General Staff requested for the vehicle to have 30 mm of armour, a 2-pounder gun, and a road speed of 48 km/h. The original vehicle was extensively reworked due to many interior and mechanical issues. Until the tank design was finished, the British Army adopted the Cruiser Mk I (A9) tank for use, but these tanks were delayed due to the A13's near completion. The first prototype was delivered in 1937 under the name A13E2, this featured the turret from the A9 cruiser tank, with a 2-pounder and a Vickers machine gun. The armour on the prototype was 15 mm and the design could reach a top speed under a governor of 48 km/h (64 km/h ungoverned). The last and revised design was the A13E3 that became adopted by the British Army and ordered into production in 1939. The General Staff specification number for the tank was the A13 Mk. I, Cruiser Tank Mark III. 65 of these tanks were ordered from the Nuffield Mechanization & Aero Limited, to which 30 were built before the War Office decided to upgrade the A13 Mk.I with more armour than the A13 Mk.II, Cruiser Tank Mk IV. Some of the A13 Mk.I Cruiser Mk III was also converted into Mk IV to stay modernized.

Combat usage

The A13 first saw combat in the Battle of France under the British Expeditionary Force in 1940. The A13 encountered many troubles during its employment, the crew having little to no training with the new tanks due to their rushed adoption into service. The tanks were in poor condition and some were even missing parts. The A13s were used in the 1st Armoured Division, but many were either destroyed by the superior German armoured forces or abandoned at Calais during the evacuation of Allied troops at Dunkirk, which forced the units to leave behind their heavier equipment.

After the disaster at France, the A13 were still used to support the war. Some were sent to Greece to support their defence against Germany in the Battle of Greece, but a majority were sent to North Africa as part of the Western Desert Campaign near Libya under the 7th Armoured Division. Compared to the time in France, the A13s in North Africa fared much better, ironing out most of its initial defects, and was even more suited to the environment than other tank designs. The A13 was popular with the crew for its high speed, reliability, and a powerful 2-pounder cannon that could engage a majority of Axis tanks in 1941. However, there was an insufficient number of A13s available for use, so tank units were mixed with the faster cruiser tanks and slower infantry tanks, which caused tactical and logistical difficulties trying to accommodate all of the tanks. Another deficiency with the tank and every other British tank with the 2-pounder was the lack of high-explosive shell issued to the tankers, which made them vulnerable to anti-tank guns, which caused a majority of British tank losses in the North African Campaign. Still, the A13 fared very well with its armour and armament until late 1941 where better armoured Panzer IIIs and Panzer IVs began to appear on the battlefield.

Due to its growing obsolescence on the battlefield, the A13 was replaced in 1941 by the better armoured A15 Crusader tank.

Media

Skins
Videos
A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) Review. A careful playstyle is needed - Joseph 2000
Best gun depression discusses the A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) at 1:33 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Other vehicles of similar role or configuration

External links


Nuffield Mechanizations and Aero Limited
Cruiser Tanks 
Tank, Cruiser, Mk III (A13 Mk I)  A13 Mk I · A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.)
Tank, Cruiser, Mk IV (A13 Mk II)  A13 Mk II · A13 Mk II 1939
Tank, Cruiser, Mk VI, Crusader (A15)  Crusader II · Crusader "The Saint" · Crusader III
Tank Destroyers  Tortoise
SPAAs  Crusader AA Mk I · Crusader AA Mk II
Export  ▄Crusader Mk.II

Britain light tanks
A13  A13 Mk I · A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) · A13 Mk II · A13 Mk II 1939
A15  Crusader II · Crusader "The Saint" · Crusader III
A17  Tetrarch I
IFV  Warrior · Desert Warrior (Kuwait)
Wheeled  Daimler Mk II · AEC Mk II · Fox · Vickers Mk.11
Other  VFM5
South Africa 
SARC  SARC MkIVa · SARC MkVI (2pdr) · SARC MkVI (6pdr)
Ratel  Ratel 90 · Ratel 20
Rooikat  Rooikat Mk.1D · Rooikat 105 · Rooikat MTTD
Other  Concept 3 · Eland 90 Mk.7
USA  Stuart I · Stuart III

Britain premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) · A13 Mk II 1939 · AEC Mk II · Crusader "The Saint" · Rooikat 105
Medium tanks  A.C.I · Grant I · Cromwell V (RP-3) · Sherman IC "Trzyniec" · A.C.IV · Comet I "Iron Duke IV"
  Centurion Mk.2 · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk.5/1 · ▄Sho't Kal Dalet · Centurion Action X
  Vijayanta · Khalid · Challenger DS · Challenger 2 OES
Heavy tanks  Independent · Matilda Hedgehog · Excelsior · TOG II · Churchill Crocodile · Black Prince
Tank destroyers  Alecto I · Achilles (65 Rg.) · QF 3.7 Ram

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