British military tanks are equipped to make tea. Join us on a journey through history and technology. Have you ever imagined sipping a cup of tea while inside a military tank? It might sound like the beginning of a quirky anecdote, but in the realm of British military history, it’s a fascinating reality.
British military tanks, renowned for their formidable presence on the battlefield, harbor a surprising secret: they’re equipped to make tea.
In the heart of battle, where chaos reigns and uncertainty looms, the British soldiers found solace in the comforting ritual of brewing tea. It became more than just a beverage. It became a symbol of resilience, camaraderie, and the unyielding spirit of the British army.
The Military Teatime
British soldiers are most vulnerable at teatime: This is what German commanders understood during World War II. “Tommies,” as British soldiers call themselves, would not spend a day without drinking hot tea.
To brew it, they would get out of the armored tanks they operated and heat up water in makeshift oil-based heaters known as “Benghazi burners.” Those tea breaks meant the tanks were unmanned, and the distracted troops were easy targets, Tank Historia reported.
A week after D-Day, on June 13, 1944, the advance guard of the British 22nd Armoured Brigade stopped in a French village named Villers-Bocage in Normandy. The troops exited their tanks to make tea and were ambushed by a German armored unit. The Brits lost 14 tanks in only 15 minutes, according to Beaches of Normandy Tours.
This and other incidents led the British army to outfit. As soon as 1945, new Centurion tanks with “boiling vessels,” special water boilers that allowed for shorter and safer tea and food breaks without compromising on comfort and morale for British soldiers, automotive website Jalopnik reported.
This turned out to be a strategic decision: A study by the British Army published in 1946 showed 37% of casualties in armored units between March 1945 and the end of the war occurred when soldiers were outside the vehicles. In-tank teatime just made sense.
‘Boiling Vessels’
These “boiling Vessels” or “BV Morale Boosters,” as they are known to British troops, are now an integral part of British tanks. They are not, however, classic tea kettles.
According to their manufacturer, Electrothermal Engineering, they are “water and ration heaters designed for the demands of mechanized forces.” Known as RAK15 and RAK30, they have been renamed and are marketed as “cooking vessels”.
To use them, soldiers fill the main compartment with water to heat it up. “MREs” — meals, ready-to-eat — go in the insert to be heated. The catalog entry goes on to specify:
The water used for heating MREs remains pure and can then be utilized for making hot beverages.
While the British Army was the first to solve this problem, the idea caught on. Electrothermal Engineering said it is now outfitting armored vehicles for the U.S. Army, starting with an order for 10,000 RAK15/30 units:
We now have more than 20,000 combat-tested units in the field all over the world. And have been installed into support and frontline vehicles such as the Abrams M1A1, Bradley’s LAV, M109 Paladin and many more.
Electrothermal Engineering also said that vehicles other than tanks are equipped with its cooking vessels:
In addition, all the British Army MAN trucks in the support vehicle fleet are equipped with our RAK15/30 units. They have proved especially beneficial in the recent war in Afghanistan. As having the RAK units installed in the cab ensures that vehicles stay on the move and are consequently less vulnerable to attacks from insurgent groups.
How exactly does a military tank brew tea?
It’s a testament to British ingenuity and the fusion of tradition with modern technology. Within the confines of these armored vehicles, soldiers utilize compact, specially designed equipment to heat water and brew tea on the go.
Amidst the clatter of machinery and the rumble of the engine, the aroma of freshly brewed tea permeates the air, offering a brief respite from the intensity of warfare.
This unique feature speaks volumes about the ethos of the British military. It reflects a commitment to preserving traditions while embracing innovation. A reminder that even in the face of adversity, there’s always room for a comforting cup of tea.
The integration of tea-making facilities in military tanks also underscores the importance of morale in combat situations. Amid the turmoil, the simple act of sharing a cup of tea fosters unity among troops. Providing a moment of normalcy amidst chaos.
Beyond its practical implications, the presence of tea-making capabilities in British military tanks serves as a poignant reminder of the human element inherent in warfare. It’s a testament to the soldiers’ ability to find comfort and camaraderie in the most unexpected of places. Reaffirming their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
So, the next time you hear about British military tanks, remember that they’re not just machines of war . They’re symbols of tradition, innovation, and the enduring spirit of the soldiers who operate them. Perhaps amidst the clangor of battle, there’s a quiet moment where the whistle of a kettle signals the start of tea time.
