Achilles (17-pdr M10)
In service 1944 - 1950s
The American M10 rearmed with Britain's best anti-tank gun - the hardest-hitting Allied tank destroyer in Europe.
Built byUS-built M10 hulls, British conversion
Development history
British and Canadian anti-tank regiments received M10s under Lend-Lease and found the 3-inch gun lacking, so roughly 1,100 were rebuilt with the 17-pdr, recognisable by the long muzzle counterweight. Achilles served in Italy and north-west Europe with Royal Artillery anti-tank regiments, where the combination of a powerful gun and a mobile chassis worked well from prepared positions; the open turret and thin armour kept crews cautious. Some remained in service with allied armies into the 1950s.
Notable actions
- Italian Campaign
- Battle of Normandy
- Rhineland Campaign