Churchill Oke flame-thrower

[Rich Payne]

I've searched on the forum but couldn't find a more appropriate place to post this German photograph, currently for sale on ebay (and no bids). It is incorrectly listed as Dunkirk.



Unfortunately, these small period prints rarely enlarge well.

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally Posted by Rich Payne

I've searched on the forum but couldn't find a more appropriate place to post this German photograph, currently for sale on ebay (and no bids). It is incorrectly listed as Dunkirk.

Hi Rich;

Churchill tanks fitted with the Oke flame-throwing apparatus in Canadian service, were designated Churchill Mk II (Special). The three Churchill Mk II (Special) tanks at Dieppe were crewed and operated by No. 8 Troop, “B” Squadron of The Calgary Regiment.

Attached is a copy of your photo in which I have indicated, with a red arrow, the only Churchill tank fitted with the Oke flame-throwing apparatus that appears in the photo, this being Census No.: T32049 (BOAR), which in making a heavy landing from TLC 159, knocked her flame-thrower fuel reservoir off her rear deck, but managed to cross the beach and onto the promenade in the area of the Cassino. She remained mobile throughout the morning before being ordered back to the beach to cover the withdrawal. Once back on the shoreline, she was immobilized and acted as a pillbox.

Cheers

[Rich Payne]

Thanks Mark. To be honest, I wondered having read your thread if I was looking at 'BULL' out to sea in the centre.

With my inability to identify the flamethrowers, I'd have felt happier posting on a general Dieppe photographic thread but strangely there doesn't seem to be one and it seemed a little 'over the top' to start a new thread for a single image on eBay.

[Harry Moon]

"Dieppe" "through the Lens" series has several good quality prints of the above mention tanks.

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally Posted by Rich Payne

Thanks Mark. To be honest, I wondered having read your thread if I was looking at 'BULL' out to sea in the centre.

Hi Rich;

If I’m not mistaken, the Churchill tank out to sea in the centre is BRENDA (a Churchill Mk III, Census No.: T68760R).

Cheers