Armour in Paradise: Allied Mechanised Forces and the Campaign in Madagascar 1942

What is it about?

The invasion of Madagascar by the combined Allied Force 121 in June 1942, is an often-overlooked campaign of the Second World War. Operation Ironclad, as the campaign was codenamed, remains, however, particularly important historically because of the innovative deployment of armour during the operation. Forming an integral part of Force 121 was “B” Squadron Special Service (SS) Squadron, Royal Armoured Corps (RAC). Equipped with both Infantry Tanks Mk III Valentine and the Light Tank Mk VII (A17) Tetrarch, this experimental squadron would form the Allies first attempt at utilising light tanks in an amphibious operation. Additionally, when reinforcements later arrived, they included 18 South African Mark III armoured cars of “A” Company 1st Armoured Car Commando, South African Tank Corps. These vehicles nicknamed “Rhino Cars” by their supporting infantry, would prove the combat effectiveness of operating armoured cars over terrain generally regarded as unsuitable for such operations. Leading the Allied advance into central and southern Madagascar, these armoured cars would prove their mettle against determined Vichy French resistance. These two armour operations, both historically significant, will be the focus of this paper.

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