Tradition, British Battle Tanks, and a Cup of Tea

At first, tea was a precious novelty – an exclusive, but highly valued one. Only the rich and well-bred had access to it. To keep it this very extravagant commodity safe it was kept in a tea cozy – a special lockable box, designed to hold this cherished possession. The Tea Cozy was kept locked - as the ‘help’ could not be trusted not to take tea whenever it was not secured.

Finally, every day brewing, and serving up a cuppa' is a common and cherished practice – and a vital and obligatory aspect of being British. – a part of being civilized –

A requisite part of British identity and tradition around it is empire was Tea - even a part of its armed conflicts. So much so, that British tanks are designed and fitted with a kettle in the crew compartment.
Seriously - The Brits were finding that tank crews were often getting caught with their guard down. The cause: seems the enemy knew the lads would - sometime during the afternoon, dutifully stop - get out of their tanks, and brew a cup of tea. Making themselves an easy target.
To overcome this vulnerability – since World War 2, the tea kettle in the crew compartment became a required part of all British tanks – by regulation.