The self-propelled 17-pdr, Valentine, Mk I, Archer was a British tank destroyer[2] of the Second World War based on the Valentineinfantry tankchassis fitted with an Ordnance QF 17 pounder gun. Designed and manufactured by Vickers-Armstrongs, 655 were produced between March 1943 and May 1945. It was used in north-west Europe and Italy during the war; post-war, it served with the Egyptian Army. This vehicle was unusual in that its gun faced the rear of the chassis instead of the front.
Compared to the German Army and their tanks, British tank designs tended to lag behind in terms of up-gunning existing tanks. This prompted British planners to find a solution in the short-term to help improve the firepower of the British Army. They investigated tank chassis in production and landed on the Valentine because of its rapid adaptability to a new role.[3]
It was decided that the gun was to mounted in a simple, low, open-topped armoured box with the gun facing to the rear to avoid the new design from being too front-heavy because of the 17-pounder's immense weight.[3] The mounting allowed for 11 degrees of traverse to either side, with elevation from -7.5 to +15 degrees.[4] The engine in the Archer had a higher power rating than in the Valentine.[5]
The first prototype was completed in 1943, with firing trials carried out in April 1943. On firing, the gun breech recoiled just shy of the driver's space.[citation needed] The unorthodox way the gun was mounted let the driver stay in position ready to drive the vehicle away without turning around if needed to move quickly. The rear mounting combined with its low silhouette made the Archer an excellent ambush weapon, allowing its crew to fire, then drive away. Vickers-Armstrongs were given orders for 800 vehicles—with 655 being made before the end of the Second World War.[3]
Service
An 'Archer' in position at Rafah, Sinai War, 1956.
Production started in mid-1943 and the Archer entered service in October 1944. It was used in North-West Europe and (in 1945) in Italy.[6]
Under military doctrines prevalent in Commonwealth armies at the time, vehicles such as the Archer were "self-propelled anti-tank guns" and operated by the Royal Artillery (RA), rather than Royal Armoured Corps (RAC). This was the same for two vehicles of US origin, that were initially conceived as "tank destroyers" though not used as such by the British: the 3in. Self-Propelled Mount M10 and 17pdr Self-Propelled Achilles.)[citation needed]
↑ Bishop, Chris (2016). The illustrated encyclopedia of weapons of World War II: a comprehensive guide to weapons systems, including tanks, small arms, warplanes, artillery, ships, and submarines. London: Amber Books. p.51. ISBN978-1-78274-388-0.
1 2 3 Bishop, C. (2002). The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II. United States: MetroBooks. p. 51 ISBN: 9781586637620, 1586637622
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