Hello,

Fairest light tanks in year 1939, your opinion?
My proposal:
1st place - Czechoslovakian LT vz. 35
2nd place - Polish 7TP
3rd place - German Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf.D

Adam

Hmm. I would rank the LT vz. 38 over the LT vz. 35. Even the Czech military disliked the 35.

The LT vz. 38 was one of the most advanced tanks for it's day and combined decent firepower with good reliability, mobility and ease of maintenance. The Germans pressed them into frontline service in 1939 where they remained one of the primary fighting vehicles of the Wermacht into 1942 when they were clearly outclassed by the likes of the T-34 and KV-1. The chassis went on and remained the basis for many different vehicles all the way until 1945.

I'd go for the LT vz 38 over the 35 too. The 7TP definitely edges in ahead of the T-26 and the rest of the Vickers derivatives thanks to its diesel engine.

But IMHO I'd be a bit dubious of either of them really being 'light tanks' considering that they functioned better in the role usually assigned to mediums. When the British Army tested the 38, they rated it really poorly as they were comparing it with Cruiser tanks which indicates the role they saw it in.

David

3rd place - German Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf.D

Well, the Germans took them from combat units immediately after the Polish Campaign - problems with the suspension AFAIR - so I do not think it qualifies.
They were modified into flame-thrower tanks and later still 76.2mm AT SP guns.
HTH