Skip to main content

Just one week after D-Day, the British 22nd Armored Brigade was making good progress through the French countryside, liberating the country and pushing the German invaders back. Then, in a classic British move, they stopped in a Normandy village called Villers-Bocage for a tea break. Out came the smokey old “Benghazi burners,” and on went the kettles. Unfortunately, the Germans, well aware of the British love for tea time, ambushed them, destroying 14 British tanks in 15 minutes. Turns out, tea might have been their Achilles’ heel.

After the June 13th, 1944 ambush, British commanders knew they needed a fix—because skipping tea wasn’t an option. Enter the boiling vessel (BV): a specially designed morale-boosting contraption fitted in British tanks that lets soldiers brew up mid-battle. Since then, all British tanks have come with a built-in kettle for tea (and rations)—perfect for those high-stakes, mid-war cuppas.

It’s a topic the internet can’t get enough of—everyone from Redditors to TikTok stars have been fascinated by these onboard kettles. As a viral TikTok video from the “RandomFactOlogy” account cheekily shows, “Yes, British soldiers take tea that seriously!” But here’s where most of those videos get it wrong: the device isn’t just for tea. Built by Electrothermal Industries, the RAK Water & Ration Heater also serves up piping hot MREs. Officially classified as a “water and ration heater,” it’s designed for more than just a cuppa.

@randomfactology

Tea Inside British Tank?! ☕ #tea #inside #tank #britain #teapot #didyouknow #fact #fyp

♬ original sound – Random Factology

But why are the British so obsessed with tea? It’s not just a drink—it’s a national identity. Since the 17th century, tea has been more than a beverage in Britain. Initially a luxury of the upper class, it eventually spread through all classes, becoming a symbol of British resilience and culture. In fact, British workers have the legal right to a tea break during long shifts—a testament to how deeply tea is steeped into British life (pun intended).

The military’s relationship with tea dates back to its empire-building days. In India, for example, compressed tea was favored in military campaigns to make transport easier, a revolutionary change from the bulky loose-leaf tea. As historian Brian Wolfe noted, this innovation showed just how essential tea was for the British—so much so that even soldiers in remote Indian jungles could have their cuppa.

Fast forward to today, and the RAK Water & Ration Heater is the modern version of that portable tea convenience. Soldiers can brew hot water for tea or heat their meals without compromising the taste of their beloved beverage. Want proof? Watch Corporal Mark Bulbeck of the King’s Royal Hussars demonstrate how the RAK keeps morale high in the thick of battle.

And with that, we can tea-up the viral video below. Ready to watch how the British Army makes sure their soldiers never go without tea? Play on:

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.