Soviet Mk VII Tetrarch Tanks, (Виккерс VII)
The Tetrarch was a British light airborne tank that saw limited use during World War II, including deployment by Soviet forces under Lend-Lease arrangements. Summary of the Tetrarch’s service in the Soviet Union:
Timeline of Deployment:
- Arrival in Iran: On December 27, 1941, a batch of 20 Tetrarch tanks arrived in Zanjan, Iran, close to the Soviet border.
- Transfer to Azerbaijan: These tanks were transferred to Azerbaijan in January 1942, but it took some time for the necessary instructional materials to arrive.
- Training in Armenia: By March 1942, the tanks were deployed with the 21st Separate Tank Training Regiment near Yerevan, Armenia, for training and patrol missions.
Combat Service:
- Deployment with the 151st Tank Brigade: In January 1943, the Tetrarch tanks were deployed with the 151st Tank Brigade, which also fielded older T-26 light tanks. These tanks served with the 47th Army of the Trans-Caucasus Front and were primarily used for infantry support missions.
- Re-equipment of the Brigade: In March 1943, after several months of operations, the brigade was re-equipped, but 10 operational Tetrarchs remained in service, along with one sent to Kubinka for evaluation.
Later Service and Fate:
- 563rd Separate Tank Brigade: The remaining 10 operational Tetrarchs were transferred to the 563rd Separate Tank Brigade, which took part in an amphibious landing at Novorossiysk. The operation was unsuccessful, and following this, the tanks were handed down to other units.
- Static Defense Role: Four broken-down Tetrarchs were eventually sent to the 3rd Rifle Corps and were emplaced as static defenses at the Shapsugkiy bridge.
The Tetrarch saw limited combat during its time with Soviet forces and was mainly used in support roles, with its operational history concluding by 1943. The tank’s light armor and armament limited its effectiveness on the Eastern Front, where it was overshadowed by heavier, more capable Soviet tanks.