Rolls-Royce Armoured Car

The Rolls-Royce Armoured Car came into use during the First World War, emerging as Britain’s most successful armoured car. These vehicles came into use early in the conflict, and remained in use in the Middle East throughout the war. Equipped with central turret, armoured haul, and powerful 80 hp engine, the Rolls-Royce Armoured Car was an effective tool on the battlefields of the early twentieth century.

Similar to a contemporary vehicle produced by the Lanchester Motor Company, the Rolls-Royce was first requested by the Royal Air Force to serve as a support vehicle. Very early on, however, demand for these vehicles meant that they were refitted and employed as fighting vehicles. Originally deployed to the Western Front, Africa, and Gallipoli, the situation on the Western Front meant that the twelve cars deployed there were sent east to serve in the more suitable battlefields there. The Rolls-Royce proved effective there. Lawrence of Arabia employed one armoured car in his assault on the Ottoman Empire. After the Great War ended, several Rolls-Royces were given to the Irish Free State to combat Republican forces fighting there to free Ireland from British domination. These vehicles continued to serve in Ireland until they became obsolete in the 1940s due to a lack of suitable replacement parts.