Churchill - British Heavy Tank

This famous heavy tank played a vital role in infantry support withstanding enemy fire with its thick armor, providing cover and storming enemy positions with a variety of weapons.



The A22 Churchill development started in early 40s as a replacement for the Matilda and Valentine infantry tanks. The Churchill was designed to be slow as infantry pace, heavily armored and capable to deal with fortifications using a high caliber low velocity cannon. This first version used a 76.2 mm  Mk.I gun the hull and a QF 2 pdr gun in the turret.

Powered by a 300 hp Meadows flat 12 cylinders the Churchill could reach a top speed of 24 kmh. The 5 men crew (driver, aux. driver, gunner, loader and commander) were protected by thick armor of 102 mm, late production models used 152 mm armor.

The Churchill Mk VII used a bigger turret to accommodate the 75 mm Vickers QF gun.

Churchill AVRE used a Spigot 290 mm mortar to engage bunkers and others reinforced buildings.
Another famous version if the Churchill Crocodile equipped with a flame thrower.

During the World War II the Chruchill was one of the most armored tank used by the allies, the Mk VII surpass in armor thickness the legendary Tiger I.