SELF-PROPELLED 17-POUNDER - ARCHER

Book Type: S,O

by Christopher Camfield, 152 pages, approximately 180 photographs

In November 1944, an ungainly piece of equipment was introduced into service in the British

and Canadian armies. Referred to at the time as the ‘Valentine 17-pounder SP’, and later as

the ‘Archer’, it was a tracked vehicle with an open compartment at the front and a large gun

facing to the rear.

Assigned to give anti-tank support to the infantry, the Archer ought in many difficult battles

that had to be won in order to defeat Nazi Germany. It continued to serve in the British Army

until 1955.

This book tells the story of the Archer from start to finish. It includes the vehicle’s design and

development, a detailed description, and contemporary discussions of its merits and flaws.

The battles in which it fought are recounted, from its field trials in Normandy and Italy, to the

battle for the Rhineland, and points beyond.

Based on archival research at The National Archives of the UK, Library and Archives

Canada, and The Tank Museum at Bovington, this book will appeal to military vehicle

enthusiasts, scale modellers, and those interested in the Second World War.

Rearwards into Action