BISHOP

BISHOP
Image: Bishop (IWM)
YearMarch 1942
Vehicle TypeSelf-Propelled Gun/Howitzer
Origin & DesignerBritain/Birmingham Carriage Company
Numbers Produced149
Crew4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 25 pdr L/28 Mk. I Gun/Howitzer
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-5° to +15°
Turret Traverse[@turret_traverse]
Gun Traverse
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightNo.7
Secondary Armament1 x .303in Bren Light Machine Gun (AA Mount)
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried32 x 87.6mm & 600 x .303in Rounds
Height3.05m
Width2.77m
Length5.64m
Combat Weight7.879 kg
Ground Clearance0.41m
Fording Depth0.91m
Trench Crossing2.28m
Obstacle Clearance0.83m
Climbing Ability32°
RadioNo. 19 Set
ArmourHull Front: 60mm.
Hull Sides: 60mm.
Hull Rear: 60mm.
Hull Top: 20mm.
Hull Bottom: 20mm.
Turret Front: 40mm.
Turret Sides: 40mm.
Turret Rear: 20mm.
Turret Top: 12mm.
EngineAEC A190 (Diesel)
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range177 km
Maximum Cross Country Range105 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed24 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed14 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe Bishop was the merger of a Valentine tank chassis mounting a 25 pdr gun/howitzer, the weapon was housed in an armoured box which gave a high silhouette, it also suffered from slow speed due to the Valentine being an Infantry tank and the gun itself could only archive a low elevation which limited its range to under 6000m. The Bishop was withdrawn from front line service when the M7 Priest and Sexton became available, and it finished its career as a training vehicle.