Got some documents on Veritable/Blockbuster (Feb/March 45) which mention the use of Churchill 'Jumbo' bridgelayers. Searched in vain for this tank on the net. Does anyone have a clue. Would like to have a picture of one.
Well, its not an official designation. You'd have to find out if they're referring to the Churchill bridgelayer ("Bridge, Tank, 30ft, No.2") as in Mike's pic...or one of the various Churchill Ark types...OR the Bailey bridges pushed into place by some of the Churchill AVRE types...
....but going by THIS reference... http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_churchill_jumbo.html ..it's definitely Mike's illustration. THIS vehicle...
Thanks Trux & Philo-Roadking, much appreciated. What then was the indication for the other Churchill bridgelayer tank:
That one isn't technically a bridgelayer According to Chamberlain and Ellis....who have that pic...That's a Churchill AVRE carrying the SBG (Small Box Girder) bridge.
as you mentioned Op Veritable good excuse to post these pics. Dutch clergymen chat to the crew of a Churchill bridgelayer of 34th Tank Brigade at the start of Operation 'Veritable', 8 February 1945. THE BRITISH ARMY IN NORTH-WEST EUROPE 1944-45. © IWM (BU 1742)IWM Non Commercial Licence Churchill bridgelayers of 34th Tank Brigade, one towing a sledge, at the start of Operation 'Veritable', 8 February 1945. THE BRITISH ARMY IN NORTH-WEST EUROPE 1944-45. © IWM (BU 1740)IWM Non Commercial Licence