Archer (Tank Destroyer)
The SP QF 17 pounder, MKI, Valentine, aka the Archer, was a mid war Tank Destroyer that was primarily used by the British army, and post war by the fledgling Egyptian Army.
In Real Life
The Archer was created to meet the tactical niche of Mobile 17 pound cannons. Mounted on the Valentine Infantry Tank, the Archer is notable in that the gun was mounted im reverse, facing the chassis' rear (engine compartment); in effect, the Archer was faster in "reverse" than driving towards the enemy. The designers intended the Archer to be a dedicated sniper, taking out tanks at range, then driving away to avoid counter fire. Obviously, while the QF 17 performed well in it's role, it's heavy and combersome nature made it more useful on the defense rather than the offense, something the Brits did not enjoy.
The Archer was primarily deployed to Italy during its wartime service.
| British Forces in Flames of War | |
|---|---|
| Tanks: | Crusader (Tank) - M5/M3 Stuart - Cromwell Recce - Churchill - M4 Sherman - T14 Heavy Tank - Matilda II - TOG 2 - Comet - Challenger - Valentine |
| Transports: | M3 Halftrack - Universal Carrier - CMP 3-ton - LVT-4 |
| Infantry: | Mortar Platoon - British Mech Company - Commando Platoon - Parachute Company - Rifle Platoon - Rifle Company - Vickers Platoon |
| Artillery: | 6lb Gun - 17lb Gun - M7 Priest - 25-Pounder Field Troop - Land Mattress |
| Tank Destroyer: | Archer (Tank Destroyer) - Churchill Gun Carrier |
| Recon: | Humber Scout Car Troop - Daimler Armoured Car Troop - Boarhound Armored Car - Staghound |
| Aircraft: | Typhoon - Hurricane - Auster - Kittyhawk |
| Anti-Aircraft: | Crusader AA - Bofors Light AA Troop - Bofors AA Troop |