The following military intelligence report on British anti-aircraft mountings for tanks and armored cars was originally published in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 1, June 18, 1942. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

PROBLEMS IN BRITISH ANTI-AIRCRAFT MOUNTINGS The British anti-aircraft mounting spring support, known as the Lakeman, has been commented on very unfavorably in the British Middle East Command and G.H.Q. The Middle East have stated that they would prefer to do without this support both on tanks and armored cars. British Royal Armoured Corps Headquarters have also been consulted in this matter and a certain divergence of opinion was noted. However, after consideration, it was decided that the Lakeman anti-aircraft mounting is not suitable in the United Kingdom either. The chief complaint, which appears general both in the Middle East and the United Kingdom is the lack of protection for the anti-aircraft gunner. Note: While these discussions were being carried out, the 8th Armoured Division produced a Valentine Tank with an anti-aircraft mounting designed by a British Officer. This was viewed by the General Staff and British Royal Armoured Corps Headquarters and was found to have very definite possibilities. In consequence of this, the Director of Tank Designs has been requested by the General Staff to investigate the possibility of incorporating this mounting in all tanks and armored cars where possible. It is feared that it may not be possible to use this mounting with vehicles fitted with a cupola. Meanwhile, the Commander of the Royal Armoured Corps has requested that he may retain the present Lakeman anti-aircraft support pending the design and production of the improved mounting. (M/A Report, London, No. 47672.)

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