The T.O.G. Amphibian: Britain's WW2 Underwater Assault Tank (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798324687045)

In 1940, just as the Battle for France was about to begin, Britain began considering a new type of amphibian tank to aid in its war effort. Following the fall of France and the urgent need to rebuild its army after Dunkirk, this task became more acute, as an amphibious tank was potentially vital to Britain's hopes of one day returning to the European mainland. The challenge, however, was to develop a new type of tank capable not only of surviving on the battlefield but also of being part of the very first wave of an amphibious assault. Among the most daring-and largely forgotten-of these efforts was the design of a 'submarine amphibian': a fully submersible tank.

At the heart of this bold and highly secretive project was the Special Vehicle Development Committee (S.V.D.C.), a group of veteran engineers and designers known informally as 'The Old Gang, ' which included the expertise of Harry Ricardo. Tasked with creating machines capable of surviving a landing under enemy fire, the S.V.D.C. combined decades of experience from World War I with the pressing technological demands of this new conflict. Their answer was radical-a tank that could travel under the waves and emerge ready to fight-although the concept would eventually be eclipsed by more conventional approaches based on existing vehicles.

This book reveals, the full story of the S.V.D.C.'s submersible tank project, drawing upon long-lost correspondence and original blueprints, reproduced here for the first time. With meticulous research and insight, the author shines a light on a forgotten chapter in the history of British armoured warfare-one that highlights the extraordinary ambition, creativity, and determination of the men charged with preparing for one of the most complex types of military operation.