The Churchill Crocodile Flamethrower Tank Was A Terrifying Beast (Watch)

Watch some stunning footage of the British Flamethrower tank!

The Crocodile was a modified Churchill tank,  fitted with a flamethrower in place of the hull machine gun. An armored trailer, towed behind the tank, carried 400 Imperial gallons (1,800 liters) of fuel. The flamethrower had a range of over 120 yards (110 meters), far greater than man-portable units.

Regarded as a powerful psychological weapon, this flame tank proved highly effective at clearing bunkers, trenches, and other German fortifications.

The Crocodile was part of a group of tanks that were named after the Commander of the 79th Armoured Division, Major General Percy  Hobart. Although these tanks were labeled as “funny”, they were used extensively during the landings by the Brittish and had proven to be most effective as assault or support vehicles. The Hobart Funnies became the prototypes of many engineer-purpose vehicles long after the war and changed the history of naval landing warfare forever.

Pictures

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Close-up of the flame projector on a Crocodile tank during trials in April 1944
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A Churchill Crocodile flame-throwing tank during a demonstration, 25 August 1944. Close-up of the fuel trailer.

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Churchill Mk7 Crocodile
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From the shape of the projector in the hull and the presence of a Trailer behind, this is a Churchill Crocodile.

Video

Joris Nieuwint

Joris Nieuwint is a battlefield guide for the Operation Market Garden area. His primary focus is on the Allied operations from September 17th, 1944 onwards. Having lived in the Market Garden area for 25 years, he has been studying the events for nearly as long. He has a deep understanding of the history and a passion for sharing the stories of the men who are no longer with us.

@joris1944 facebook.com/joris.nieuwint