The Infantry Tank Churchill Mark II was the most numerous tank with a 2 pounder gun. General Staff number A22.
Churchill Mark II – British Infantry Tank
The Churchill Mark II was a British heavy tank developed during World War II, known for its robustness and unique design. Introduced in 1941, it was an upgraded version of the original Churchill Mk I and was primarily intended to break through heavily fortified enemy positions. The Churchill Mk II featured improved armor protection, with its frontal armor reaching up to 102 mm (4 inches), making it one of the most heavily armored tanks of its time.
It was armed with a 2-pounder (40 mm) QF gun, although later models, like the Mk III and beyond, were equipped with larger calibers. The tank’s armament was supplemented by a coaxial BESA machine gun for anti-infantry roles. Despite the 2-pounder gun being somewhat underpowered against heavily armored German tanks, the Churchill’s primary role was infantry support and close assault, where its high armor and firepower were invaluable.
The tank was powered by a 350-horsepower Bedford engine, allowing a top speed of 24 km/h (15 mph), which was relatively slow compared to lighter tanks. However, its toughness and track design enabled it to cross rough terrain and obstacles with relative ease.
With a weight of about 40 tons, the Churchill Mk II was not highly mobile, but its strong armor and ability to carry heavier weapons in later versions made it effective in the difficult terrain of North Africa, Italy, and Western Europe.
Hi Patrick. From what I understand, this is actually a Mark I, because of the QF 3″ howitzer in the hull. I believe the Mark II just had a Besa hull MG in the hull instead of the howitzer.
Hi Tim, thank you for the feedback.
It could very well be a Mark I. We don’t know much about this, but the Bovington museum calls it a Mark II, hence the name in the title. Over the years we have often seen that not everything has been named correctly, or is wrongly referend to, in museums. It could also be the case here.
I can understand both of you calling this a Mark 1 Churchill tank, but if you look closely at the 3 inch howitzer gun in the hull it is placed in the wrong position in a machine gun mount, if you look at pictures of the Mark 2 churchill, you will see the same machine gun mount but mounting only a Besa Machine gun, so this tank was a Mark 2 and can still be seen as one, but modified to look like a mark 1, though its the wrong gun in the machine gun mount anyway, if it was me I would have left it in mark 2 configuration, but I guess it doesn’t matter but there you go, hope this solves any confusion.
Thank you Owen, this helps.