The tank was phased out of service from 1939, replaced by the Cruiser Mk I.

It featured several improvements over the Vickers Mark I: a higher superstructure with the driver's visor on top of it instead of in front of it; an improved suspension protected by armour skirts; and Rackham clutches, providing a primitive form of mechanical servo-control.

During the threat of German invasion of the summer of 1940, some of these outmoded vehicles were reactivated for a short time.

No "mobile" Vickers Mediums faced the Italian invasion of Egypt in September 1940, but at least one was dug in as an armoured pillbox in the defences at Mersa Matruh at the time of the invasion.

[2] Three Vickers Medium Mark II tanks have survived around the world.