Churchill Infantry Tank

The NVG covers all seven Marks of Churchill gun tank with variations and the self-propelled gun of 1941/42, but not the 'Funnies' or armoured recovery vehicle variants. It will begin with the prototype tank A20 and look at the different guns, service in Russia, and later with the Irish, Jordanian, and Australian Armies. It will also feature on the disastrous Dieppe raid of August 1942 and the Black Prince, which was only developed to the prototype stage at the end of WWII. The Churchill was built outside the normal process of British tanks and was named after the Prime Minister. It was slow and noisy but had superior climbing ability and thicker frontal armor than the German Tiger. Its classification as an Infantry Tank has been criticized, but Field Marshal Montgomery found it useful on many occasions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Churchill tank, a remarkable vehicle that played a significant role in World War II, is the subject of this comprehensive book. It covers all seven Marks of the Churchill gun tank, including variations and the curious self-propelled gun of 1941/42. While it does not include the so-called 'Funnies' or the armoured recovery vehicle variants, it delves into the details of the prototype tank A20, which has not been previously explored in depth.

The book then proceeds to examine each of the seven Marks of Churchill, focusing on their distinct guns and characteristics. It also explores the tank's service in Russia, later with the Irish, Jordanian, and Australian Armies. Additionally, it sheds light on the disastrous Dieppe raid of August 1942, concluding with a brief mention of the Black Prince, or super Churchill, which was only developed to the prototype stage at the end of World War II.

The Churchill tank stands out as a unique and intriguing British tank of World War II. It was not produced through the conventional methods used for British tanks, and it was built by a firm with no prior experience in tank production. Despite facing initial criticism for being deemed unsuitable, the Churchill proved its worth over time. While it was known for its slow speed and noisy operation, it possessed superior climbing ability and thicker frontal armor compared to the formidable German Tiger.

The classification of the Churchill as an Infantry Tank has been subject to extensive debate. While some authors have previously criticized this designation, there has been a recent shift in perspective, with some Americans even revising their views. Field Marshal Montgomery, who advocated for a Universal Tank that could fulfill all roles, recognized the Churchill's usefulness on numerous occasions, particularly for its ability to absorb punishment.

This book provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the Churchill tank, its development, and its operational history. It sheds light on the tank's contributions to the war effort and its enduring legacy. Whether you are a historian, military enthusiast, or simply interested in the history of World War II, this book is a valuable resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the Churchill tank and its role in the conflict.

Weight: 166g
Dimension: 248 x 182 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472837349