Archer
In service 1944 - 1950s
Valentine chassis with a 17-pounder pointing backwards - odd, and surprisingly effective.
Built byVickers-Armstrongs
Development history
To fit the long 17-pounder on the short Valentine hull, designers aimed the gun over the engine deck. Crews fired from cover and simply drove forward to withdraw, which suited ambush tactics well. Recoil swept the driver's seat, so he had to leave it before firing.
Notable actions
- Italy 1944-1945
- North West Europe 1944-1945