An Unnecessary Burden

German Tellermines were a major and persistent threat to Allied tanks in the Second World War. Numerous devices such as flails and rollers were developed to try and counter this weapon, but the ideal solution was to find a cheap way of providing all Allied tanks with adequate protection.One idea that was investigated by the British was called the 'Tea Tray'. This involved affixing additional armour to a tank's belly. Whilst this idea was never adopted by the Allies in the Second World War, the 'Tea Tray' concept offers a number of insights into the development of Allied armour and the use of landmines. Therefore, this book, the first to focus on the 'Tea Tray', explores the origins and development of this interesting idea.