Watizzit?
 

Found this at Archives. Victory Parade of the Royal Canadian Artillery. What is this vehicle? http://www.servicepub.com/images/03127.jpg

I believe it is called an Archer Self Propelled gun. It was a 17pdr mounted on the chassis of a Valentine tank. The gun was mounted backwards so that it would better fit.

Ahh, now I see. Thanks. :cheers:

17-Pdr, SP, Valentine
 

Hello Clive

These were used by the 1 Corps A/Tk Regiment, who got them from the British.

The Brits didn't like them because, as Jordan says, the gun was fitted backwards. This meant you had to back into any prepared position. You also couldn't 'shoot and scoot' as the driver had to vacate his position as the recoiling gun would had taken his head off.

Still, the Canadians are recorded as being please with the equipment, saying it was light and nimble and easily concealed.

Steve

Re: Watizzit?
 

Interesting to note that chappie, to left of screen, sports crossed Signal flags above what looks to be an Artillery cannon indicating substantive rank. His service chevrons would indicate quite a bit of time in.

Hi Clive;

Go here for a 'gun' view of the Archer.

Cheers :)

Archer
 

Hello,

It is important to realise that these guns were intended as anti tank guns, not as "tanks".

They were mainly used to consolidate after tanks and infantry had secured an area. The tank regiments would withdraw once the anti tank guns were in place.

If you consider going into the mopping up phase of a battle with a 17 pdr anti tank gun pulled by a softskin gun tractor, and then having to man handle it into cover, whilst under mortar fire, you rapidly come to appreciate the advantages of an Archer.

It could rapidly scuttle up to the frontline following in the tracks of the tank regiments, and conceal itself behind a hedge or bank. It was intended to await counter attacks, or to shoot in tanks from behind, when supporting attacks.

It was also had quite a low silouette, when compared with an M10. Having the engine block between you and incoming rounds helped morale as well.

A big problem came when you needed to start up in the morning. Any moisture on the engine deck tended to evaporate in clouds of steam as you got the engine turned over. Then heat haze came off the engine interfereing with the sighting.

Having the driver looking in "reverse" was a great advantage, if you had to shoot and scoot.

Regards

Nick Balmer

Great reference pictures: http://tanxheaven.com/ljs/archer/archerljs.htm

Another view
 

A head-on shot from the parade at Oldenburg, Germany. May 15, 1945. From DND archives

Cheers, Dave

Dave,
Appears to be the same 'right marker'.

Yes, same chappie...and is he not wearing 3rd Div boots?