35 TANKS in varying states of repair were available at the start of the siege.

• 1st Royal Tank Regiment had 17 cruiser tanks
• 7th Royal Tank Regiment had 18 infantry tanks (Matilda II's)
• 3rd Hussars had armoured cars which were suitable for  reconnaissance only.
  

The tanks were intended to provide mobile support to endangered areas of the fortress and also a counter-attack capability.