Churchill Crocodile Flamethrower

Churchill Crocodile Flamethrower cover

Description

A fire-breathing 'monster' on the battlefield, the Churchill Crocodile flamethrower was one of the most devastating and awe-inspiring weapons of the Second World War. Tank expert David Fletcher chronicles the development of the flamethrower tank, detailing the variants of the Crocodile and examining the dramatic effects of these tanks in battle from D-Day to the dramatic flamethrower attack on the River Senio in Italy. Revealing the strengths and weaknesses of the flamethrower tanks, Fletcher investigates the post-war use of Crocodiles to burn down and sterilize the site of Belsen concentration camp, as well as their mobilization for the Korean War, and post-war developments to the prototype Centurion Crocodile. In addition to the role of the Churchill Crocodile on the battlefields of Western Europe, the various wheeled flamethrowers designed for home defense in Britain during World War II are examined. Researched using the papers of Reginald Fraser- the genius behind the flamethrowers and dramatically illustrated with detailed artwork and previously unpublished contemporary photographs, this book brings to life the true terror of these tanks.

Table of Contents

Introduction · Origins · Operational use · The flame goes out · Conclusion · Bibliography · Colour plate commentary · Index

Product details

Published Jul 24 2007
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781846030833
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 9 col
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series New Vanguard
Short code NVG 136
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

David Fletcher

David Fletcher MBE was born in 1942. He has writte…

Illustrator

Tony Bryan

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