Nice photo. This is actually a Crusader Gun Tractor, which as it says in the caption was intended for pulling the 17pdr Anti Tank gun. The Archer was a self propelled 17pdr in a chassis developed from the Valentine using all the late Valentine features (GM6-71 etc). The Crusader gun tractors were conversions using Crusader II tank lower hulls but with a later mark of liberty engine than the majority of the gun tanks. This did away with the chain drive to the fans that had caused so much trouble in the dessert war. As such they became quite reliable and would make a great restored vehicle now.
The one in the photo has its wading screens erected still and has a name which looks like 'Archer' painted on the front, hence the caption.
David
Ps. must type faster, John beat me to it!
|