- 10.00am - 5.30pm
- FREE
- Chelsea, London
- 10.00am - 5.30pm
- FREE
- Chelsea, London
A Challenger 2 tank at Lulworth Ranges, Dorset, 2016
Origins
The Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) was formed on 4 April 1939, just months before the outbreak of the Second World War (1939-45). This makes it one of the younger corps in the British Army.
However, it is also unique in that it was not formed by amalgamating existing corps into a single overarching unit. Instead, it was the umbrella for a large number of existing regiments, each of which retained their individual unit identity. These regiments were mainly former cavalry units, most of which had mechanised in the 1920s and 1930s.
The RAC also included the battalions of the Royal Tank Regiment, previously known as the Royal Tank Corps. The Reconnaissance Corps was also part of the RAC from 1944 until its disbandment in 1946.
Cap badge, Royal Armoured Corps, 1942
A Sherman Firefly tank, 1944
RAC today
Since 1939, RAC units have served in nearly all of the Army’s campaigns.
The RAC now includes ten regular and four yeomanry regiments, operating both as main armour and reconnaissance. These units use a variety of vehicles, including the Challenger II battle tank and the Scimitar and Spartan armoured reconnaissance vehicles.
Mk 1 Tank crew helmet, Royal Armoured Corps, 1942
A Scimitar CVR(T) light reconnaissance tank, 2011
Regimental museums
The National Army Museum works with a network of Regimental and Corps Museums across the UK to help preserve and share the history and traditions of the Army and its soldiers.
Discover more about the Royal Armoured Corps by visiting The Tank Museum in Bovington.
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