![]() ![]() This story is often used to support the idea that British troops would foolishly die in pursuit of tea, however in reality the troops had progressed far into the French country side, were waiting for other units to catch up and had been ordered to halt. Tiger tank commander Michael Wittmann famously attacked paused British troops at the Battle of Villers-Bocage shortly after D-Day. During the Second World War studies showed that tankers had a much higher chance of dying while outside their vehicles, with an alarming portion of casualties occurring during this time.īritish troops relax, smoke and drink tea around a dugout near the Rhine, 1945. ![]() While these methods certainly worked, they all required leaving the vehicle. Troops need hot water for many things, such as heating food, washing themselves, their clothes, their equipment and for hot drinks. ![]() Contentsīefore they had purpose built boiling vessels, British tankers used gas stoves or improvised burners and sometimes even the hot exhausts of their vehicles for heat. What’s more, Britain is not unique in its use of a boiling vessel in its vehicles other nations fit similar, or identical devices too. Instead, they use what is known as a boiling vessel, which is designed to heat rations, and not specifically make tea. ![]() Britain’s attempt at tackling this was not by fitting a tea pot and stove, as some may suggest. This is a problem militaries have continued to face for a century. However, the “understated, upper class British chap and his tea” gags have inadvertently caused some misconceptions about an important aspect of armored warfare – keeping troops happy, healthy, fed and hydrated within the confines of a tank. Images and videos of British troops throughout history often depict them with mugs on their gear, or sitting down for a warm drink. It is no secret that British troops drink a considerable amount of tea. However, while British vehicles are fitted with a water-heating device, it is in fact not a dedicated tea making facility. There is a common idea that British tanks are equipped with facilities for the sole purpose of making a hot cup of tea. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |