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Mark V (White Russia’s very own Mark V)
A White Army Mark V tank “For Holy Russia” captured by the Red Army, Russian Civil War
Introduction:
The White Russian forces, fighting against the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War, operated several British Mark V tanks. These heavy tanks, originally supplied by Britain to aid the White Army, played a significant role in armored engagements during the conflict. The Mark V, known for its rhomboid shape and distinctive all-terrain capabilities, provided the White Russians with a formidable advantage on the battlefield. Armed with either two 6-pounder guns or machine guns, it was used to break enemy defenses and support infantry assaults. Despite their effectiveness, the limited number of tanks and logistical challenges ultimately hindered their impact, especially as Bolshevik forces captured and repurposed them for their own use.
History:
During the Russian Civil War (1917–1922), the British Mark V tank became one of the most advanced and formidable armored vehicles used by the White Russian forces. As part of British military aid, several Mark V tanks were delivered to the White Army in 1919 to support their struggle against the Bolsheviks. These tanks were deployed primarily by General Anton Denikin’s forces in southern Russia and by General Nikolai Yudenich’s army in the northwest.
The Mark V, a World War I-era design, was a significant improvement over earlier tanks, featuring a more reliable engine and a rudimentary form of semi-automatic transmission, allowing for easier maneuverability. It came in two primary variants: the male, armed with two 6-pounder naval guns and machine guns, and the female, equipped solely with multiple machine guns for infantry support. The tanks were well-suited for breaking through enemy fortifications, a crucial role in the chaotic and shifting battlefronts of the Russian Civil War.
White forces used Mark Vs effectively in key battles, such as the defense of Tsaritsyn (later Stalingrad) and offensives in the Don and Kuban regions. However, their impact was limited due to logistical challenges, fuel shortages, and a lack of trained personnel to operate and maintain them. When Bolshevik forces captured these tanks in battle, they were quickly repurposed and used against their former owners.
By 1920, as the White forces suffered defeats, many Mark Vs fell into Red Army hands. The Soviets continued to use them for a time, incorporating them into their early armored units. Ultimately, the Mark V’s presence in Russia marked the beginning of Soviet interest in armored warfare, influencing their future tank development programs.
Don Army troops stand next to a Mark V tank, 1919. In the center of the picture is Major General Vladimir Sidorin.
Specification:
General Information:
- Country of Origin: United Kingdom
- Used by: White Russian forces during the Russian Civil War (1919–1920)
- Captured by: Red Army (later used by Soviet forces)
Dimensions:
- Length: 8.05 m (26.4 ft)
- Width: 4.11 m (13.5 ft)
- Height: 2.64 m (8.7 ft)
- Weight: 29 tons (Male) / 27 tons (Female)
Armor & Protection:
- Hull armor: 6–16 mm (0.24–0.63 in)
- Crew: 8 (commander, driver, gunners, loaders, and mechanics)
Armament:
- Weapons:
- 2 × QF 6-pounder (57 mm) naval guns
- 4 × 0.303 inch (7.7 mm) Hotchkiss M1909 machine guns
Mobility:
- Engine: Ricardo 6-cylinder petrol engine
- Power Output: 150 hp (110 kW)
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: 5.2 hp/ton (Male)
- Top Speed: 7.4 km/h (4.6 mph)
- Range: 72 km (45 mi)
- Transmission: Epicyclic gearbox (simplified for a single driver)
- Suspension: Unsprung track system
Operational Use:
- Deployed in: Southern Russia, Crimea, and Northwest Russia
- Primary Users: White Army under Generals Denikin, Yudenich, and Wrangel
- Fate: Many captured and repurposed by the Red Army; some remained in Soviet service into the late 1920s
Special Camouflage Idea
