Watizzit?

[Nick Balmer]

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