The proper spelling of "armoured warfare" has caused a bit of confusion for some people. This is because in American English, "armored" is spelled without the "u" while in British English, the word is spelled "armoured" with the added letter. The correct pronunciation of this term is /ˈɑːməd ˈwɔːfeə/ in British English and /ˈɑːrməd ˈwɔrˌfɛr/ in American English. The addition of the "u" in British English is due to the influence of French spellings and pronunciation that were adopted during the Norman Conquest of England.
Armoured warfare refers to a military strategy and combat style that heavily relies on the use of armoured vehicles, such as tanks, in an organized and coordinated manner. This form of warfare involves the utilization of these heavily fortified vehicles to achieve battlefield dominance and overwhelm enemy forces.
Armoured warfare focuses on the offensive capabilities of armoured vehicles, leveraging their superior firepower, protection, and mobility to gain a significant advantage over traditional infantry and cavalry units. The primary objective of armoured warfare is to break through enemy defenses, punch through their lines, and exploit any gaps or weak points in their formation. By doing so, armoured forces aim to disrupt the enemy's rear lines, encircle their forces, and ultimately cripple their ability to fight effectively.
Armoured warfare involves a variety of tactics and strategies, including the use of combined arms, close air support, and infantry support, among others. The use of tanks and armoured vehicles in combat provides advantages such as enhanced protection against enemy fire, increased firepower through mounted weapons, and improved mobility through their tracks or wheels.
Armoured warfare has played a significant role in modern warfare, particularly during major conflicts such as World War I, World War II, and numerous other military campaigns throughout history. The evolution of armoured vehicles and advancements in technology have continuously shaped and influenced the tactics and effectiveness of armoured warfare.
The word "armoured" in the term "armoured warfare" is derived from the Old French word "armure", meaning "armor" or "protection". It originates from the Latin word "armatura", which means "military equipment" or "armor". "Warfare" is a combination of the words "war" and "fare", where "war" comes from Old English and "fare" means "journey" or "passage". Therefore, "armoured warfare" refers to the use of armored vehicles and tactics in military campaigns or battles.