The Independent A1E1 is a multi-turreted tank that was designed by the British armaments manufacturer Vickers between the First and Second World Wars.

The tank was designed to have heavy firepower, self-defence capability, and superiority to enemy weapons.

[2] Planning for the A1E1 began in December 1922 when the General Staff of the British Army drew up a specification.

In 1933, a British army lieutenant, Norman Baillie-Stewart, was court-martialled and served five years in prison for providing the photographs and specifications of the Independent (among other secrets) to a contact in the German intelligence service.

During the Second World War the tank was set up to act as a static pillbox or defensive position to protect Bovington Camp in the event of a German invasion.