Vickers Medium Mk.I (NSV Mod.1928)

Purchased by the newly formed Quisling government in December of 1928 in use for development in The "Kampvogn" Project. When arrived it was in several parts as well as the main armaments being removed. This was the first issues to be tended to. Mechanics at Forsvarsverkene over the next 2 weeks rebuilt and documented the tank to working condition.

The Trials and Tribulations
When trials and testing began the few good points where quickly overshadowed by the massive reliability issues, the engine that had been built with leftover parts kept breaking. The suspension as well was clearly unsuited for Norwegian terrain. The relative heavy weight was too much for the small bridges of rural parts of Norway. Although this issue would be solved with the Norwegian Army and Defence reform of 1929.

In the end of the tests the tank showed Norway that a lighter and wider tracked tank was needed as well as size needing to be smaller. Even with this Quisling insisted that refined Norwegian tank be produced from this test. The result of this was the Landskip m/1929.

Fate and German use
After the tests the tank would remain in storage by Fornebu Airport. It would be used form time to time for demonstrations in tank vs infantry combat. In 1935 it was given a new engine so that it could be used in training.

When Oslo and the surrounding area was finally taken after the long resistance of the Norwegian Army, the tank was left behind in a less than desirable state. The Germans needing all the firepower they could use captured the tank and painted it in their Beutepanzer scheme.

The tank was stationed in Eidsvoll when the Norwegians attacked to retake it. In the battle the tank was used in a defensive role. Accompanying it was one of the German Neubaufahrzeug medium tanks. In the end the Germans had to retreat and the Vickers had sustained multiple direct hits from a Norwegian Panservogn m/39. Rendering it unable to fire.

Today the tank is still there as a reminder and memorial for all lives lost that day.