For Great Britain, the importance of tea time ranks nearly as high as the monarchy. It is so ingrained in their culture that not even a fierce armored battle should get in the way. That’s why British tanks are equipped with something you will find in the mechanized armored vehicles of no other country: a tea brewing system.

Beginning with the Centurion Tank in 1945, all British tanks contain a boiling vessel also known as a kettle which can be used to brew tea, produce other hot beverages and prepare dehydrated ration meals.

Unique to the armed forces of the UK, these boilers have proven quite handy. Not only is the hot water useful for food preparation and sterilization of water and medical instruments, but soldiers attest to the calming effect of a little taste of home, even while fighting for queen and country.