Doing a clear out of my papers at the moment in order to free up some much needed shelf space. Amongst the many jottings I've made, I've come across a list of serials for the 6 Infantry Tank Mk.IV CHURCHILL tanks that were involved in the battles of late October, beginning of November 1942 attached to 7 Motor Brigade. I made these notes some time ago in order to pass on to someone who was collecting serial numbers. I have no recollection which document, file or report the information came from, but it was one from the PRO rather than a book entry, and was culled from a report of the actions of the "Special Tank Squadron". Am posting up the info here before I throw the paper away. Perhaps it is of interest to someone. Used on 27 October 1942 T31665/R 2/Lt Appleby - destroyed by enemy action: 2 dead, 1 wounded, 2 missing T68189/R Maj King T68186/R Used on 3 November 1942 T68189/R Maj King T68186/R T31950/R 2/Lt Howard T31954/R T68714/R Cpl McCaffrey If/when I come across the original document on my HD, I'll add a reference and any other information if necessary.
Page 106 of Mr Churchill's Tank http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Churchill.../dp/0764306790 23rd October 1942. Churchill tank in North Africa. Tank commanded by 2nd Lt Appleby advances over a ridge towards the Germans. Soon it is seen reversing back over the ridge. Suddenly it stopped, smoke appeared and it burst into flames. Examination of the wreck found 38 x 50mm frontal strikes of which one had penetrated. 7 x 75mm strikes of which one had penetrated. 1 HE strike. There were 8 x 57mm strikes in the rear of the tank of which at least 4 penetrated. Conclusion: German fire struck the tank 46 times but only managed 2 penetrations. Whilst reversing the tank was mistakenly fired on by a 6pdr battery which finaly knocked it out.
I was thinking of El Alamein this morning after seeing a reminder that it is the 76th anniversary of the start of the battle today. pminotti, if you're still here - these would have probably been German 75mm Pak 40s, unless by chance the Churchills were taking fire from one of the few "Mark IV Specials" the Germans still had. I have the original report about the Churchills at El Alamein if anyone is interested.
Don't know offhand, but I think the critical difference is that 6 pdr was shooting at the weaker rear armour.
